Information

This illustration, designed by Sandys, has been cut from a page in the journal 'Once a Week' (13 April, 1861, vol. 4, p. 434). It accompanied a poem entitled 'The Sailor's Bride' by Marian E. James. Sandys was not pleased with the initial proofs of the illustration engraved by W. H. Hooper and demanded that his design be re-engraved by Joseph Swain. This is one of two versions of the final engraving by Swain in the Birmingham collection (see also 1906P875.1). The collection also holds two of the proofs by Hooper (1906P875.3 and 1906P875.4). Comparing these reveals the two engraver's different approaches to translating Sandys's design in wood: Hooper keeps the thin, more subtle lines drawn by Sandys, producing a greyer image in which the head of the grieving man is almost lost in shadow, Swain is bolder, including thicker lines, more flat blocks of white and creating a brighter image with a greater contrast of black and white.

  • Purchased, 1906.
  • © Birmingham Museums and Art Gallery

Makers

Association Artist Organisation
After Frederick Sandys -
Engraver Joseph Swain -

Inscriptions

Type Position(s) Method Date(s) Notes
AFS [monogram] / SWAIN. Sc
Signature bottom right Printed - Ink.
 

Literature

Author(s) Date(s) Publisher Pages
Once a Week
13 April 1861 - vol. 4, p. 434
 
English Illustration: The Sixties 1855-70
Gleeson White 1897, reprinted 1970 Kingsmead Reprints, Bath p. 29
 
City of Birmingham Musuem and Art Gallery: Catalogue of the Permanent Collection of Drawings
A E Whitley 1939 Derby: Bemrose & Sons Ltd. p.377
 
Frederick Sandys 1829-1904: A Catalogue Raisonné
Betty Elzea 2001 Antique Collectors' Club in association with Norfolk Museums and Archaeology Service p. 201

Associated people

Name Type
Marian E James Author

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