Noah's Sacrifice, from "Illustrated London News"
Engraver Charles Cheltnam British
After Daniel Maclise Irish
Not on view
This print reproduces a large painting by Daniel Maclise (1847–53; Leeds Art Gallery). Noah stands at center next to a lamb on an altar, accompanied by family members and additional animals intended for sacrifice. In the background, the Ark rests on Mount Ararat as animals emerge from its open door, and a rainbow arches over the scene near heavenly beings. Noah's "Sacrificial Hymn" is printed below.
While working on this painting, Maclise was commissioned to produce two large frescoes at the new Palace of Westminster devoted to British victories in the Napoleonic wars, and technical difficulties related to the unsuitability of that medium to the damp English climate occupied much of his time. "Noah's Sacrifice," as an oil on canvas, allowed the artist to work freely and demonstrate his skill with multi-figured compositions. Cheltnam's wood engraving was published in the "Illustrated London News" in December 1849, while Maclise was still at work, which may explain the schematic background.
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