Abram Instructing Sarah–Abram Parting from Lot, from "Dalziels' Bible Gallery"

Art Historical Context

This wood engraving, titled *Abram Instructing–Abram Parting Lot*, comes from the ambitious *Dalziels' Gallery*, a Victorian-era project published between 1865 and 1881 by the renowned Dalziel Brothers and associates like Camden Press, Scribner and Welford, and Thomasziel. The print captures two pivotal biblical moments from Genesis: Abram (later Abraham) counseling his wife Sarah and his poignant farewell to his nephew Lot as their paths diverge. Such dual-scene compositions were a clever space-saving technique in 19th-century illustration, inviting viewers to ponder themes of faith, family, and divine guidance. Crafted as a wood engraving on delicate India paper and mounted on thin card, the work exemplifies the precision of this medium, which allowed for intricate lines and tonal depth ideal for book reproduction. The Dalziel Brothers, pioneering wood engravers, transformed artists' drawings into mass-producible prints, fueling the golden age of British illustration. Measuring a modest 3⅜ × 5⅞ inches for the primary image, this proof-like piece highlights the era's blend of artistry and technology. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints department (anonymous gift, 1926), it reflects Victorian fascination with biblical narratives, often infused with emotional depth and moral reflection. A gem for visitors exploring religious art or printmaking history!

About the Artist

Camden Press|Scribner and Welford|Dalziel Brothers|Thomas Dalziel (British|American|British) · 1857 |1800 |1839 –1893 |1899 |1893

British, London|New York, NY|British, active 1839–93