George Cruikshank

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George Cruikshank
1792-1878
The Loyal Little Drummer Boy
1845?
Watercolor over graphite, on cream paper, laid down on white paper.
8 7/8 x 7 3/8 inches (225 x 187 mm)
Gift of J.P. Morgan, Jr.
2006.38:9
Notes: 

Forms part of a collection of 20 watercolor drawings by Cruikshank to illustrate W.H. Maxwell's History of the Irish Rebellion.
Drawing for an etched illustration for History of the Irish rebellion (London : Baily Brothers, 1845).

Inscription: 

Each drawing is signed by the artist and inscribed with a title below the image in pen and brown ink, marginal sketches in graphite; in pencil on mount at lower right: p. 115.

Provenance: 
J. Pierpont Morgan, Jr.
Summary: 

Drawing shows three Irish rebels brutally murdering a little drummer boy in British uniform with pikes, another about to club the child with the butt of his musket, the drummer's foot through the skin of his drum, and a regiment of ragged rebel troops led by an officer on horseback with a drawn sword beyond, with villagers cheering in the distance by their hovels; with small figure sketches in the left and right hand margins.

Associated names: 

Morgan, J. P. (John Pierpont), 1867-1943, former owner.

Bibliography: 

The illustrator and the book in England from 1790 to 1914 / Gordon N. Ray. New York ; London : Oxford Univ. Pr., 1976, p. 72.

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