THE CHILDREN IN THE WOOD After PEELE Engraved by BOURNE,1856 Steel Engraving

The steel engraving titled "The Children in the Wood" from 1856, created after an artwork by Peele and engraved by H. Bourne, captures a poignant and melancholic scene based on the tragic tale of two abandoned children. In this emotionally charged image, two young children rest against each other on the forest floor, nestled amongst leaves and rocks, their faces serene as though peacefully asleep, though the story alludes to their untimely demise. The older child leans protectively over the younger, with their clothing appearing ragged and disheveled, symbolizing their vulnerability. The detailed engraving reflects an idyllic yet sorrowful natural setting, with a watchful bird nearby and a rabbit emerging cautiously in the background, as if nature itself mourns the children’s fate. The dense forest foliage and intricate textures of their garments, hair, and the woodland ground showcase Bourne's technical skill as an engraver, emphasizing depth, realism, and emotion. This scene is a visual representation of the 17th-century English ballad "The Babes in the Wood," a well-known morality tale of betrayal, innocence, and loss, which has inspired countless literary and artistic adaptations. The artist Peele, likely John Thomas Peele (1822–1897), was a painter known for sentimental and genre scenes depicting children and rural life, aligning with Victorian-era ideals of innocence and domesticity. The engraving embodies both the story's sorrowful conclusion and the romanticized sentimentality of childhood and nature, characteristics of Victorian art. Approx Image Size: 10 x 7 ins - Approx Overall Size With Borders : 13 1/2 x 9 1/2 ins CONDITION: FULL PAGE STEEL ENGRAVING. BLANK ON THE BACK. HEAVY CARD STOCK PAPER OF THE AGE. Image is clear and sharp with beautiful detail. As scanned. This beautiful print would look great matted and framed. Or an art supply store can provide you with a selection of frames for old art treasures NOTE THE FOLLOWING BEFORE YOU PURCHASE: This is a GENUINE ANTIQUE PRINT. It is NOT a modern reproduction, ie. a laser scan, photocopy etc. It is the original from the antique publication. This print was published on the date mentioned, or circa of the date mentioned at the top of the page. The term "print" is referred to an image on a piece of paper. The print I have for sale, like many antique prints that you see online, originate from an antique book or atlas publication. The publication may not always be known. If you have any questions, emails are welcome.…