Children playing at Horses, from "Illustrated London News"

William Luson Thomas|Charles Robert Leslie

November 29, 1862 · Wood engraving · Drawings and Prints

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.

Artist

William Luson Thomas|Charles Robert Leslie

Date

November 29, 1862

Medium

Wood engraving

Department

Drawings and Prints

Credit line

Gift of Donato Esposito, 2019