Jacob Blessing Ephraim and Manasseh, from "Dalziels' Bible Gallery"

Art Historical Context

In the Victorian era's fascination with biblical narratives, *Jacob Blessing Ephraim and Manh* captures a poignant moment from Genesis 48 where the aging patriarch Jacob bestows his final blessings on Joseph's sons, crossing his hands to favor the younger Ephraim over Manasseh. Designed by Richard Pickersgill, Royal Academician known for his historical and religious subjects, this wood engraving was produced by the renowned Dalziel Brothers for *Dalziels' Bible* (1881), a lavish collection of illustrations published by Camden Press and Scribner andelford. The image evokes the era's blend of reverence and dramatic storytelling, with intricate lines conveying tenderness and divine intent. Printed on delicate India paper—a thin, high-quality sheet prized for its clarity and ability to capture fine engraving details—and mounted on card, this work exemplifies 19th-century wood engraving techniques. The Dalziel Brothers' mastery allowed for precise, tonal depth rivaling paintings, making complex biblical scenes accessible in books. Measuring about 8½ by 7 inches, its modest scale belies the technical sophistication used in deluxe editions for collectors. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints department (anonymous gift, 1926), this print highlights the cultural role of illustrated Bibles in Victorian Britain, bridging art, faith, and mass reproduction. It's a window into how 19th-century artists reimagined sacred history for modern audiences.

About the Artist

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

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