Object of the Day: An Engraving by Gebbie and Co., 1890

Long before laser printers, if every-day people wanted to hang fine works of art in their homes, but couldn’t afford the cost of originals and commissions, they relied on commercially produced and printed engravings of famous artworks. In Nineteenth Century America, Philadelphia-based printing house Gebbie and Company produced many series of prints of the works of both European and American masterpieces.


Take, for instance, this engraving entitled “The Most Beautiful to the Most Valiant” which was produced by Gebbie and Company in 1890. The original work was painted by Alfred Gués. With the artist’s approval, the painting was reproduced line-by-line on a copper plate at a reduced size--meant to be printed in a limited edition.

Engravings such as this one can still be found in your area antique stores. Many have been stripped of their frames, but remain in excellent condition. Such antique and vintage engravings can be purchased relatively inexpensively and add a touch of aged charm to any space. Dramatic framing with large matting gives weight and importance to these works which can bring the same joy to you that they did to their original owners.