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Show Technically, prints and engravings are not the same though they are commonly so considered. Engraving is of great antiquity. Homer frequently uses the word grapho, meaning to scratch or engrave. The Bible is full of references to engraving: "And thou shalt take two onyx stones, and grave on them the names of the children of Istael." - Exod. xxviii, 9· . "With the work of an engraver in stone like the engravings of a signet, shalt1thou engrave."-Exod. xxviii, II. "Oh, that my words were now written I oh that they were printed in a book, that they were graven with an iron pen and lead in the rock forever."- Job xix, 23, 24. In the interview of Moses with God we have mention made of the tables of stone engraved by the fin- 20 ger of God, where the commandment is given against the abuse of the art: "Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image."-Exod. xx, 4. In the 35th chapter of Exodus verse 35, we read: "Them hath h~ filled with wisdom of heart, to work all manner of work, of the engraver." God commanded Moses: "And thou shalt make a plate of pure gold, ~nd grave upon it, like the engravmgs of a signet, 'Holiness to the Lord.'" These quotations show that the Israelites had acquired a knowledge o_f ~he art during their Egyptian captiVIty. The Greeks and Romans had their laws and important contracts engraved on metal. Slaves were ~randed with metal stamps. In cuttmg and carving precious stones these ancients were the equal of the artisans of our day and we must marvel that they did not take the next step_ that |
