GRAVÜR DÜNYASI
Digital Engraving Library
| Date | 1860's |
| Technique | Wood Engraving (Text on Reverse) |
| Category | Religion |
| Source | The Holy Bible Containing The Old and The New Testaments with References and a Condensed Concordance published Cassell, Petter and Galphin, London and Newyork |
This engraving depicts the scene recounted in the 48th chapter of Genesis, the Old Testament book of the Bible, in which Jacob, on his deathbed, blesses Joseph's sons, Ephraim and Manasseh. In his old age, Jacob summoned Joseph's two sons to offer them a special blessing. Knowingly and intentionally, Jacob blessed the younger son, Ephraim, with his right hand, as he would have a larger nation instead of the elder son, Manasseh. In the engraving, the elderly Jacob is depicted limply in bed, his outstretched hands reaching out to the children, forming the centerpiece of the blessing. Joseph's anxious and bewildered expression suggests he lifts his father's right hand from Ephraim's head and attempts to place it on Manasseh's. The expressions of surprise, respect, and submission on the faces of the figures reflect the spiritual depth of the event.
