Children playing at Horses, from "Illustrated London News"

November 29, 1862

Not on view

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

Object Information

Overview

Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

Provenance

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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