Eastward Ho! August 1857, from "Illustrated London News"

William Luson Thomas|Henry Nelson O'Neil

May 22, 1858 · Wood engraving · Drawings and Prints

Published in the "Illustrated London News," this wood engraving shows British soldiers bidding farewell to family, sweethearts and friends as their ship departs for Calcutta—headed towards the Indian "Mutiny" (or Indian First War of Independence, 1857–59). Thomas's wood engraving reproduces an 1858 painting (now at Elton Hall) that propelled O'Neil to public prominence--after being shown at the Royal Academy in 1858, the work toured Britain and was seen by over half a million people. The interwoven bodies and linked hands suggest a range of relationships and anticipate the pending separation as visitors move down the steep steps.

Artist

William Luson Thomas|Henry Nelson O'Neil

Date

May 22, 1858

Medium

Wood engraving

Department

Drawings and Prints

Credit line

Gift of Donato Esposito, 2013