Information

This woodblock was originally engraved for an illustration to be used in the 'Dalziels' Bible Gallery' (pub. 1881). However, it was not included in the original book. It was ultimately published in 1894 when it appeared in 'Art Pictures from the Old Testament.' This was a new version of the 'Bible Gallery' with an accompanying text and additional illustrations. The design on this woodblock is based on Daniel, chapter 3. In this passage, three Jewish heroes, Shadrach, Meschach and Abednego, have been condemned to be burnt alive for refusing to bow down to the false gold god created by King Nebuchadnezzar. Solomon depicts the moment when an angel appears to shield them from the flames. Nebuchadnezzar is so amazed at the miraculous survival of the three men that he is converted.In 1863 Solomon executed a watercolour of the same subject (private collection) although there are substantial differences between the two versions. The design for the illustration is much more symetrical and includes only a hint of the burning furnace.

  • Acquired through the Executors of J N Hart, c.1965.
  • © Birmingham Museums and Art Gallery

Makers

Association Artist Organisation
After a design by Simeon Solomon -
Engraver - Dalziel Brothers

Inscriptions

Type Position(s) Method Date(s) Notes
SS DALZIEL Sc
Signature Front Engraved - In reverse. SS in monogram.
 
Daniel / Chap 5 v 23 / Shadrach / Meshach & / Dalziel
Title reverse Handwritten - Written in the hand of the Dalziel brothers. 'Shadrach Meshach & Dalziel' written bottom to top.. Ink.
 

Exhibitions

Catalogue No. Venue Date(s)
Love Revealed Simeon Solomon and the Pre-Raphaelites
41 Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery 2005-10-01 - 2006-01-15
41 Museum Villa Stuck, Munich 2006-03-09 - 2006-06-18
41 Ben Uri Gallery, The London Jewish Museum of Art 2006-09-11 - 2006-11-26
 

Literature

Author(s) Date(s) Publisher Pages
Love Revealed Simeon Solomon and the Pre-Raphaelites
Colin Cruise 2005 Merrell, London and New York p. 92; repr. p. 92

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