William Luson Thomas, woodcut made after J.C. Horsley's wall painting "Satan touched by Ithuriel's spear, while whispering evil dreams to Eve", formerly in the Hall of Poets in the Houses of Parliament. Third quarter 19th century.
One of 364 prints in a set of 3 bound volumes, E.12 to 375-1941.

Woodcut of a scene from the story of Adam and Eve

Bequeathed by Eustace F. Bosanquet

This woodcut depicts one of the eight murals, showing scenes from British literature (Shakespeare, Milton, Byron, Chaucer etc.) that were painted on the walls of "Poet's Hall" in the House of Commons between 1848 and 1854. The concept behind the frescoes was that the six artists - Charles West Cope, George Frederick Watts, John Callcott Horsley, John Rogers Herbert, John Tenniel and Edward Armitage - could gain experience and learn about the technique of fresco painting. Within a year, it was clear that the paintings were deteoriating, and by the 1890s they had been hidden behind wooden panelling to protect them. In the 1980s the frescoes were restored and conserved and can once again be seen in the Hall.

E.42-1941