The Lost Piece of Silver (The Parables of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ)

Art Historical Context

Step into the intimate drama of *The Lost Piece of Silver (1864), a wood engraving proof by Sir John Everett Millais with engraving by the renowned Dalziel Brothers. This poignant scene from the Metropolitan Museum of Art captures a woman in a dimly lit room, broom in hand and candle aglow, diligently searching for single lost coin. It illustrates the Parable of the Lost Coin Luke 15 in the Bible, symbolizing over repentance and divine care for the individual soul. Millais, a founder of the Pre-Rapite Brotherhood, infused the design with his signature realism and meticulous detail, drawing from everyday life to evoke spiritual depth. The Dalziel Brothers, masters of Victorian wood engraving, translated his vision into fine lines that allowed for mass reproduction in books and periodicals. As a proof impression—printed before final publication—this rare 5½ x 4⅜-inch image preserves the engravers' artistry in its crisp contrasts and subtle textures, highlighting the medium's rise in 19th-century Britain for affordable religious imagery. Part of the series *The Parables of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ*, this print reflects Victorian fascination with biblical narratives, blending moral instruction with aesthetic beauty. Acquired through the Rogers Fund in 1921, it offers visitors a window into how art made sacred stories accessible to all.

About the Artist

Dalziel Brothers|Sir John Everett Millais (British|British) · 1839 |1823 –1893 |1906

British, active 1839–93|British, Wooler, Northumberland 1823–1906 Herne Bay, Kent