Information

This is the second woodblock made for Hunt's illustration 'Eliezer and Rebekah at the Well' based on Genesis 24:22. Originally, Hunt had been commissioned by the publisher Joseph Cundall (1818-95) to produce the design for an illustrated Bible. 'In August 1863 Hunt was drawing [his composition] directly on to the woodblock' (Judith Bronkhurst, 'William Holman Hunt: A Catalogue Raisonné,' p. 119). However, the Brothers Dalziel had conceived of a similar project but found that Cundall had already enlisted many of the best artists who were not willing to work for both firms. By September, Cundall had agreed to hand over his project to the Brothers Dalziel but due to various delays their 'Bible Gallery' was not published until 1881. The original woodblock with Hunt's drawing survived but its current wherabouts are unknown. This is the block engraved by the Dalziels. By the time it was produced, photography had been enlisted to aid the production of wood engravings and Hunt's design was photographed onto the woodblock rather than requiring him to draw it on directly (Bronkhurst, p. 119).

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

Makers

Association Artist Organisation
After a design by William Holman Hunt -
Engraver - Dalziel Brothers

Inscriptions

Type Position(s) Method Date(s) Notes
1863 / Whh / DALZIEL Sc
Signature - Engraved - in reverse.
 
Eliezer & Rebekah/ (indistinct)/ No 526 (label)/ BAM Loan J N Hart Esq No 32 (label)
Title reverse Handwritten - Title in Dalziel brothers handwriting.. Ink.
 

Exhibitions

Catalogue No. Venue Date(s)
Book Illustration of the 'Sixties'
526 Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery 1924 - 1924
 

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