Today I’m sharing the story behind a painting… not what I usually do in our blog, but this painting is special. It’s probably the second most popular painting that we find at thrift stores and antique malls. (The first most popular? Some version of The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci. )
We recently bought a copy of this picture at an antique store and it was still laying against the wall in Glenn’s office when we were discussing articles to write for Thanksgiving. His mom had the same one hanging in their home while he was growing up so it always brings back good memories. We decided to do a little more research into its history and Glenn wrote the following article.
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The Story Behind the Painting of Praying Man
In 1918 a photographer named Eric Enstrom was planning his portfolio to share with a photography association when an old man knocked at his door.
This man was Charles Wilden, who was going door to door selling small items to make money.
Enstrom was immediately interested in the old man’s face, which he thought would be perfect for one of his photographs. He threw together some props on a table and asked Wildon to bow his head as if praying. The photography session was short but profitable.
Enstrom captured the picture of a bearded, saintly, old man giving thanks to the Lord praying with folded hands to his brow before partaking of a meager meal. A bowl of porridge and a loaf of bread are in front of him with his Bible nearby. Enstrom wanted a picture to show people during World War I, that even though they had to do without many things because of the war, they still had much to be thankful for.
After taking the photo and as the negative was developed, Enstrom was sure he had something special. A picture that seemed to say, “This man doesn’t have much of earthly goods, but he has more than most people because he has a thankful heart.”
This famous portrait is entitled, “Grace.”
I found a video on YouTube that shares more about the history of this painting… which actually didn’t start out as a painting at all! The original was a black-and-white photo. Later Entrom’s daughter added color to it.
Application
As I stare at this photograph – I glance over to my table where I am typing this and notice the cinnamon crumb cake and cup of decaf coffee staring at me as if to say…are you as grateful for this as this man was in the photo?
Remove far from me falsehood and lying; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me, lest I be full and deny you and say, “Who is the LORD?” Prov. 30:8-9
Dear Lord, thank you for humbling me today and reminding me to be thankful to you for the daily provisions you have abundantly blessed me with.
Scripture Reading – Luke 9:16-17
This picture reminds me of Luke 9:16-17. Even Jesus gave thanks for His food! And just a few loaves of bread and fish were enough.
Then He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed them, and broke them, and kept giving them to the disciples to set before the people. And they all ate and were satisfied; and the broken pieces which they had left over were picked up, twelve baskets full. Luke 9:16-17 (NASB)
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This article was originally written as part of our 30 Days of Thanksgiving email series so we provided homework. Hopefully, this will still at least give you something to consider.
Project/Homework
- Are you thankful for the food you have? Go into your kitchen and make a list of 5 foods that you’re thankful for.
- Share those with someone.
Where to Get the Praying Man Painting
As I mentioned, we find these at antique malls all the time. But if you’d like to order one, here are a few sources we found online:
- Amazon
- Etsy — Both vintage and new are available here.
- Zazzle even has it on a coffee mug!
More Articles About Thanksgiving
- Should We Be Grateful for the Bad Stuff
- Why You Should Be Thankful for Unanswered Prayers
- Thanksgiving Books for Kids
- Read more about this painting here.
Giving Thanks,
Ann @ Duct Tape and Denim
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Originally published on November 21, 2017.
Susan Sikes says
Thanks for sharing this story. My grandmother, whose name was Grace, had this hanging in her kitchen. It brings back good memories for me also!
Jennifer says
I found one with the original tin placard on the front. Rare. I put it on my wall in my living room. It tells me every day that a little is enough. I found it at a thrift store too. I love it.