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
More Artwork
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.