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Engraver, British, fl.1819-1825
Francis Danby , Irish, 1793-1861
Title
The Opening of the Sixth Seal, 1843
Date1843
MediumMezzotint and etching
Dimensions
Sheet: 61 x 78 cm
Credit LinePurchased, 2000
Object numberNGI.20902
DescriptionThis mezzotint is a copy after Francis Danby's painting, An Attempt to Illustrate the Opening of the Sixth Seal (NGI 162), inspired by lines from the Book of Revelation: 'there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth, and the moon became as blood…'. (Rev 6:12-17). This, the second state of the print, reflects changes made by Danby to the painting after it was seriously damaged while on display in 1843 when, 'some miscreant…cut a piece out of the centre of it'. Danby restored it and arranged for the print to be re-worked to reflect the radical changes he made.
Inscriptionlettering printed (in the lower margin under the image): THE OPENING OF THE SIXTH SEAL. Engraved by G.H. Phillips from the Original Picture by F.Danby A.R.A. / in the possession of John W. Brett esq. 2 Hanover Square London
Lettering printed (in the lower margin under image): Printed by Brooker & Harrison
Extensive inscription printed (in the lower margin under the image):
12. And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal and Io, there was a great earthquake and the sun became as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood;
13. And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind.
14.And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places.
15.And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every freeman, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains;
16.And said to the mountains and rocks, fall upon us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb. For the great day of his wrath is come and who shall be able to stand? Revelation - Chap VI.