The Blessing Print Appraisal

Framed Print of 'Grace' (also known as 'The Last Supper' or 'The Blessing')

This item is a framed print of the iconic artwork often referred to as 'Grace,' depicting an elderly man with a long white beard and balding head, seated and in a posture of prayer. His hands are clasped together, resting near his chin, and his eyes are closed. He is wearing a dark, possibly plaid or textured, coat. On the table before him, which appears to be a simple wooden surface, are several items: an open book, likely a Bible, with a cross symbol visible on its pages; a bowl with a spoon resting in it, suggesting a humble meal; and a loaf of bread, partially cut. The lighting in the print emphasizes the man and the items on the table, with a soft, warm glow from an unseen source illuminating the scene from the upper left, while the background recedes into shadow, creating a chiaroscuro effect. The print itself appears to be a color lithograph or similar reproduction technique, characterized by its muted color palette, primarily employing browns, beiges, and dark tones. It is housed within a substantial wooden frame, likely made of stained hardwood, featuring a dark brown finish with visible wood grain. The frame has a classic, stepped profile with decorative grooves along the inner edge and a slightly wider, flatter outer edge. There is a thin, gold-toned fillet or inner frame separating the print from the main wooden frame. At the bottom center of the frame, a small, oblong brass or metallic plaque is affixed, presumably containing information about the print or artist, though its text is not legible in the provided image. The overall condition of the item appears good for its age, with no immediately visible significant damage to the print itself or the frame, although precise details of wear or potential fading cannot be fully assessed from the image. The style suggests it dates from the early to mid-20th century, a period when such devotional prints were popular in homes.