The 19th Century: Practical Plates
Realism in European art is developed by the engraved illustrations featured in books in the 19th century. The ancient times and cultures of the Bible are depicted in detailed art based on classical and Middle Eastern themes.
A German lithograph of eastern European horses demonstrates the increasingly standardized art style of contemporary and Biblical illustrations as well as the expanding German understanding of the world, focusing on a topic outside of the immediate German experience.
Die Heiligen Schriten Des Alten Und Neuen Testaments, Freiburg, Germany
Copper Plate Engraving, c. 1817
Appearing to depict the story of Jael from the Book of Judges, this copper plate engraving from a German Bible expands the rising trend of a traditional, historical approach to Bible illustrations by adding classical elements. Particularly apparent in the design and plumage of the soldier’s helmet, along with Jael’s hairstyle and clothing, this illustration borrows from classical Greek culture to acknowledge the ancient and epic themes of the Old Testament.
Transylvanian and Hungarian Horse, German
Lithograph, Contemporary Hand Colored, c. 1824
The only example of a hand colored secular illustration in this exhibit, this engraving of an eastern European rider and his horses is captioned in German. This illustration is a detailed, observant rendering of contemporary European life set outside Germany, reflecting western Europeans’ expanding view of their own world along with the ancient cultures their Bibles explored.
Tarsus, Dutch
Steel Plate Engraving by John Cousen, c. 1860
This steel plate engraving from Paul’s Travels by author Nicholaas Bates depicts the Biblical city of Tarsus, home of the apostle Paul. Seemingly captioned in Dutch, this illustration depicts a complex, modern view of a Middle Eastern city, most notably in the clothes worn by the shepherd pictured at the foreground. This European illustration blends the theme of traditional Biblical settings with a contemporary portrait of a foreign city.
Notes
All images, titles, and descriptions taken from the Valdosta State University Archives & Special Collections digitized Tatler-Burgess Collection.
