The Ivory Carver, from "Illustrated London News"

Edward Henry Wehnert|William James Linton

January 31, 1857 · Wood engraving · Drawings and Prints

A bearded man in Renaissance garb kneels in thanksgiving before a crucifix he has just completed as angels approach and demons retreat. Published with a poem by Charles Boker, the image was designed by Wehnert who was born in London to German parents. After studying at Göttingen University he went to Paris to train as an artist, then lived on the island of Jersey and tutored the young John Everett Millais. When the latter moved to London, Wehnert followed, joined the New Society of Painters in Watercolours and exhibited works influenced by the Pre-Raphaelites, including several German Reformation-era subjects. He also became a successful illustrator of poetry, literature and fairy tales. The religious intensity and carefully researched historical setting of "The Ivory Carver" are both typical of the artist's work, and the composition was engraved by his close friend Linton for the "Illustrated London News."

Artist

Edward Henry Wehnert|William James Linton

Date

January 31, 1857

Medium

Wood engraving

Department

Drawings and Prints

Credit line

Gift of Donato Esposito, 2015