The Explorers of Canaan (1840-1845)

Dated 1840-1845, "The Explorers of Canaan" is an artwork by Johann Heinrich Ferdinand Olivier. The catalogue places it in Religion. The format is portrait. Religion, a short history: Religious painting is among the largest bodies of art ever made, from altarpieces, icons, and illuminated manuscripts to devotional prints. Buddhist painting, Hindu devotional imagery, and Islamic calligraphy and ornament each have conventions of their own. Context for 1840-1845: The first half of the nineteenth century moved from Neoclassicism to Romanticism, which placed emotion, nature, and the sublime at the centre of painting. The invention of lithography around 1796 and its spread in these decades made printed images cheaper and more varied.

On onlly.art "The Explorers of Canaan" is sold as a digital download (Digital JPEG + PDF files, 300 DPI). The files are delivered by email after payment, so nothing is shipped: you print locally, choosing the paper, size, and frame yourself. A portrait format suits narrow wall spaces, hallways, and the area beside a door or window. Before printing, compare the proportions of the file with your frame so that nothing important is cropped. Choosing a standard frame size and printing to fit it often saves the cost of custom framing. Matte and fine-art papers reduce glare in bright rooms, while glossy papers give stronger contrast and deeper blacks. Hang the print away from direct sunlight, which over the years can fade any printed colour.

German, 1785–1841

If you like the visual language of Johann Heinrich Ferdinand Olivier, explore more works by the same artist in our collection.