DEATH OF SAPPHIRA 1796 John Hall - John Opie - Thomas Macklin ETCHING

Original 1796 14 3/8 inch x 18 1/4 inch Etching and Engraving titled THE DEATH OF SAPPHIRA

The wife of Ananias lying dead in the arms of a man, struck down after denying having kept back money from the early Christian community, with St Paul sitting on the left, pointing at her and another man and two women looking on with horror and astonishment.

Print by John Hall (1739 - 1797). A British engraver and painter.

After the painting by John Opie (1761 - 1807). A Cornish historical and portrait painter. He painted many great men and women of his day, including members of the British Royal Family, and others who were most notable in the artistic and literary professions.

Published by Thomas Macklin (1752/3 – 1800), Poets Gallery, Fleet Street

Inscription: Lettered below the image with the title in open, strengthened letters, reference 'Vide Act Ch. 5. v. 7, 10' and 'J. Opie R.A. pinxt. / London, Publish'd Decr. 16, 1796, by Thos. Macklin, Poets Gallery, Fleet Street. / J. Hall sculpt.'

The etching is in very good condition with some foxing and general age-related toning and minor defects from handling. Reverse side blank.