1872 Wood Engraving Devil Wager Chaplain William Makepeace Thackeray Monk XGCA9

This is an original 1872 black and white wood engraving of a sketch by English novelist William Makepeace Thackeray (1811-1863) entitled "The Chaplain Puzzled." The story goes the demon sitting on the table was a messenger for the devil, deigned to bring Sir Rollo, th knight in the background, done to hell. Not feeling like he deserved eternal suffering, Rollo convinced the demon Mercurius to allow him to find someone that night to say one Ave Maria for him, which would enable his soul to go from purgatory to heaven. After trying several options, they end up in front of this particular chaplain. Unfortunately, the monk had already made a wager with the devil that if he said one more prayer he would be sent straight to hell. After reflecting, the man decides that it would be better to save Sir Rollo's soul than his own, and he prays for the knight, though it effectively meant signing his own death certificate.

CONDITION

This 139+ year old Item is rated Near Mint / Very Fine. Light aging throughout. Light wrinkling. No natural defects.No Surface Rub.No tears. No water damage.

• Product Type: Original Engraving; Black / White
• Grade: Near Mint / Very Fine
• Dimensions: Approximately 4.5 x 7 inches; 11 x 18 cm
• Authentication: Serial-Numbered Certificate of Authenticity w/ Full Provenance
• Protection: Packaged in a custom archival sleeve with an acid-free black board (great for display, gift-giving, and preservation)

This piece was illustrated by Thackeray, William Makepeace.

Keywords specific to this image: dilemma, religion, Catholic, story, tale

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