2-979-079 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

"The Ivory Carver" - painted by E. H. Wehnert, 1857. 'Charles Boxer, an American poet of some reputation, has furnished the subject of the picture by Mr. Wehnert...The "Ivory Carver" is the name of the poem from which the incident is taken. The Carver, inspired by that devotional feeling which is known to have possessed many of those who have engaged upon works of a religious character, has abandoned himself entirely to the production of an ivory Christ, and in the accomplishment of this single object has allowed wife and children to perish from want. The bereaved husband and parent at last overcome the enthusiast, and he gives utterance to impious upbraidings upon the death of his children'. From "Illustrated London News", 1857.