Bijeenkomst van Boaz met de tien ouderlingen

About this artwork

Gift of L. Pissarro, London

Art Historical Context

**Bijeenkomst van Boaz de tien ouderlingen (Meeting of Boaz with Ten Elders)** *Wood engraving by Lucien Pissarro, 1896* This delicate wood engraving captures a pivotal biblical moment from the Book of Ruth depicting Boaz conferring with the ten elders of Bethlehem. Created by Lucien Pissarro (1863–1944), son of Impressionist master Camille Pissarro, the work reflects the artist's multifaceted career bridging painting and printmaking. By 1896, Lucien had settled in London, where he championed fine press printing through the Eragny Press, producing exquisite illustrated books. This intimate piece, measuring just 78 × 66 mm, exemplifies his skill in translating narrative depth into precise, linear forms. Wood engraving, a refined 19th-century technique using end-grain wood blocks for sharp, detailed lines, allowed Pissarro to evoke texture and subtle tonal gradients without color—ideal for book illustrations. Its small scale suggests it was designed for close contemplation, perhaps as part of a devotional or literary edition. Gifted by the artist himself from London, it highlights his personal commitment to sharing his craft. For visitors, this print offers a window into late Victorian artistic innovation, blending spiritual storytelling with technical mastery in an era when printmaking elevated everyday narratives to art.

About the Artist

Lucien Pissarro · 1863–1944

Lucien Pissarro (1863–1944) stands as a unique bridge between French Impressionism and British modernism, successfully navigating multiple artistic movements and mediums throughout his seven-decade career. Born in Paris as the eldest son of the celebrated Impressionist painter Camille Pissarro, Lucien inherited not only his father's artistic talent but also his commitment to innovation and experim...