The Light Of The World Picture

By Holman Hunt 1827-1910

Wording on the back

As a young man Holman Hunt shook the artistic world when he exhibited his remarkable painting"The Light Of The World" in 1854. It caused a sensation in both religeous and artistic establishments being both attacked and admired. Ruskin described it as "one of the very noblest works of sacred art ever produced in this or any age". During the 20 years that followed photographs and engravings of "The Light Of The World" acheived vast circulation, while the original was housed in the collection of a Mr Combe of Oxford. On the death of Mr Combe the painting was presented to Keble College, Oxford. However, Holman Hunt was not happy with the way Keble College kept the picture and decided to paint the subject over again so that it might be made available for the world to see. The new version was twice as large as the 1854 version and was first displayed in 1904. It was sent on exhibition around the world, and finally was hung in St. Paul's Cathedral, London where it can now be seen to this day hanging on the South side of the nave. The 1854 version can be seen at Keble College, Oxford. There is a furthur version to be seen in Manchester City Art Gallery

Laminated picture, 20 x 25cm