The Prison Group – Antique Engraving after Firmin Bouvy, 1857

Antique steel engraving titled The Prison-Group, depicting prisoners gathered inside a vaulted stone cell. Several figures listen to an animated storyteller, while an armoured guard kneels beside the group and other inmates remain apart in the shadows. The expressive faces, period clothing and Gothic interior give the scene considerable narrative interest.

Engraved by David Joseph Desvachez after a painting by Belgian artist Firmin Bouvy. The original painting belonged to Prince Albert and remains in the Royal Collection. This engraving was published in The Art Journal in October 1857. An impression is also held by the British Museum. British Museum

Text beneath the image
FIRMIN BOUVY, PINXᵀ
Firmin Bouvy painted it.
Pinxit is Latin for “painted.”

D. DEVACHEZ, SCULPᵀ
D. Devachez engraved it.
Sculpsit is Latin for “engraved.”

THE PRISON-GROUP.

FROM THE PICTURE IN THE ROYAL COLLECTION

Dimensions full sheet: 47 x 27 cm
Condition: Spotting as shown.