Fortune and the Boy, from 'Baby's Own Aesop'

Category

Library Item

Item no

40087

Title

Fortune and the Boy, illustrated page from 'Baby's Own Aesop'

Description

A woman leans down and tugs at the tunic of an adolescent boy who is lying with his eyes closed on a block of stone. Beneath him, on the side of the stone, water flows out of a sculpted scallop shape. Behind is a decorated Greek vase, and through a large oversized wheel which frames the scene are tall plants. Leaf and flower motifs also decorate the corners of the picture. The rhyme reads:
"Fortune and the Boy

A boy heedless slept by the well
By dame Fortune awaked, truth to tell.
Said she, "Hadst been drowned,
'Twould have surely been found
This by Fortune, not folly befel."

Fortune is not answerable for our want of foresight."

Artist / maker

Crane, Walter

Date

1900

Size

17.8 x 18.8 cm

Type

Publisher's print

Location

Art and Design Library

Illustrated page from 'Baby's Own Aesop', a book for the nursery created by Walter Crane (1845 - 1915), and first published in 1887.

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Related images

Related subjects

Clothing and dress > Garments > Classical

Landscape > Landscape architectural facilities > Fountains

People > Adults > Women

People > Children > Boys

People > Children > Teenage

Plants > Flowers > Flowers

Plants > Parts > Foliage

Plants > Parts > Leaves

Religion > Religious gods and goddesses > Gods & Goddesses

Rooms and spaces > Objects > Vases

Transport > Land > Wheels

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