“The Lost Piece of Silver,” created by John Everett Millais in 1864, is an engraving on wood, measuring 14 x 10.8 cm. This artwork, belonging to the Romanticism movement, falls within the genre of religious painting and is housed in the Tate Modern, London, UK.
The artwork depicts a solemn figure of a woman illuminated by the gentle light of a single candle she holds in her left hand. She appears to be in an earnest search, sweeping the floor with a broom clutched in her right hand. The scene, shrouded in darkness except for the candlelight, captures a moment of introspection and diligence. In the background, through a window, a crescent moon partially veiled by clouds adds a subtle atmospheric depth, reinforcing the nocturnal setting of the composition. The meticulous wood engraving technique of Millais accentuates the intricate details and textures, enriching the spiritual narrative conveyed through the woman’s devoted quest.
