A Sketch Book of R. Caldecott's, Page 44.

Category

Library Item

Item no

34288

Title

A sketch book of R. Caldecott's, page 44.

Description

This image depicts a mother bringing her son to see the doctor by way of a donkey. The viewer is drawn into the image through the facial expressions of the characters: the mother gently placing a hand on the young boy's face with a look of sympathy, the doctor standing prominently at the door with a serious demeanour, and the young boy with a sullen look of concern.

Artist / maker

Caldecott, Randolph

Date

1883

Size

17.2 x 25.7 cm

Type

Chromolithograph

Location

Art and Design Library

This volume of sketches by the artist, Randolph Caldecott (1846-1886) attempts to capture raw human nature and the variety of everyday life for Caldecott’s subjects through the seasons. Caldecott was proficient in creating a narrative quality in his pictures. He depicts scenes of local country life, with images of people partaking in different activities, the natural scenery around them, as well as a variety of different animals that interact with human life. This sketchbook contains a mixture of vibrant colour and monochrome sketches capturing views, figures and animals. Every image exemplifies Caldecott's dedication to depicting the finer details and his clear fondness for depicting his subjects as they were, in their natural environment. Caldecott is widely renowned for his detailed illustrations and his work is considered to have transformed children’s books during the Victorian era, a period which is considered the ‘Golden age’ of illustration with the influence of artists like Caldecott still resonating today.

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Related subjects

Animals > Mammals > Donkeys

Architecture > Architectural features > Doors and doorways

People > Adults > Men

People > Health and safety > Doctors

Sport and leisure > Activities > Drawing

Sport and leisure > Activities > Reading and books

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