Children playing at Horses, from "Illustrated London News"
After the death of Charles Leslie the "Illustrated London News" honored him with a long commemorative article, illustrated by this wood engraving. A related text describes the American-born artist who achieved professional success in England as "the most individual and thoroughly English, perhaps of all our painters." Although Leslie was known for works that responded to well-known drama and literature, the periodical singled out this genre subject to embody the artist's ability to capture "natural truth and beauty." "Children Playing at Horses" is praised for a "subtlety and simplicity" that uses the "simplest and most familiar materials...[to] create a precious something which shall convey a new impression, impart a new pleasure--compelling us in this instance to sympatize with and almost share the fun of those little folks." William Luson Thomas, a leading wood engraver, was chosen to make the print.
Artwork Details
- Title: Children playing at Horses, from "Illustrated London News"
- Series/Portfolio: Illustrated London News
- Engraver: William Luson Thomas (British, London 1830–1900 Chertsey, Surrey)
- Artist: After Charles Robert Leslie (British, London 1794–1859 London)
- Date: November 29, 1862
- Medium: Wood engraving
- Dimensions: Sheet: 9 5/8 × 12 1/16 in. (24.5 × 30.7 cm)
- Classification: Prints
- Credit Line: Gift of Donato Esposito, 2019
- Object Number: 2019.279.22
- Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints
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