The Supper at Emmaus 1893

Timothy Cole made this engraving, "The Supper at Emmaus", in the late 19th or early 20th century. It depicts a scene from the Gospel of Luke, where the resurrected Jesus reveals himself to two disciples while sharing a meal. Cole was a master of wood engraving, a technique that saw a resurgence during this period. This revival was partly fueled by the growth of illustrated magazines and books, creating a demand for skilled engravers. These publications shaped public opinion and disseminated cultural values. The choice of a religious subject reflects the values of the time, but it's also important to remember that visual art was increasingly accessible to a wider audience. The democratization of art through printed media meant that artists could engage in broader social and cultural conversations. We can look to publications from the time to better understand the cultural history of the artwork.