place must be conceded to Sol. Eytinge, who was born in New York in
1833. He began to draw at a very early age, and for forty years was a
most industrious illustrator of books, papers, and magazines. For a long
time he was connected with Harper & Brothers, but subsequently became
the chief artist of _Every Saturday_, published by Fields, Osgood & Co.,
to which he contributed many Dickensian subjects, notably a large
picture entitled "Mr. Pickwick's Reception," representing Sam Weller
introducing to Pickwick the leading characters in the various novels. To
the Diamond Edition of Dickens's works, launched by Ticknor & Fields in
1867, Eytinge made several full-page drawings, each of the principal
stories containing sixteen illustrations, all of which were engraved on
wood. He also made some drawings for a volume of "The Readings of Mr.
Charles Dickens," and subsequently prepared a series of character
sketches, which were etched for the "Dickens Dictionary [of
Characters]," published by Houghton, Mifflin & Co. in their Standard
Library Edition. Concerning Sol. Eytinge's illustrations Dickens said:
"They are remarkable alike for a delicate perception of beauty, a lively
eye for character, a most agreeable absence of exaggeration, and a
general modesty and propriety which I greatly like." On the whole these
pictures are well done, although it must be admitted that the artist has
not always succeeded in satisfactorily interpreting his author. When the
novelist last visited America (1867-68), his portrait was painted by
Eytinge, probably from sittings, and it is now in the possession of Mr.
W. E. Benjamin of New York. A lithographic reproduction of this
painting, by the artist himself, was published by Ticknor & Fields of
Boston and New York in 1868, copies of which are now seldom met with. I
am enabled, through the kindness of Mr. Stuart M. Samuel, to include in
this volume a _replica_ of a particularly interesting impression of this
rare print, on which Dickens has written the concluding words of "A
Christmas Carol:" "And so, as Tiny Tim observed, God Bless Us, Every
One." In the summer of 1869 Eytinge visited the novelist at Gad's Hill,
in company with Lowell and Fields, on which occasion they together
explored the slums of East London, including the opium-dens so
faithfully described in "Edwin Drood." The artist has now been dead for
some years; during the latter part of his career he lived in retirement,
on account of ill-health.
I have not attempted to enumerate all the illustrators who have executed
drawings for the innumerable editions of the works of Charles Dickens,
produced by various publishing houses both at home and abroad, as their
name is Legion. There are, however, two or three artists, not already
mentioned, to whom a slight reference may fittingly be made. In 1871,
Fields, Osgood & Co. reprinted Dickens's beautiful and pathetic sketch
entitled "A Child's Dream of a Star," with ten full-page drawings by an
American artist, Hammatt Billings, which were engraved on wood by W. J.
Linton. The imprint of another Transatlantic publisher, S. E. Cassino,
appears on the title-page of a choice edition of "A Christmas Carol,"
1887, quarto size, containing twenty-four photogravure reproductions of
new designs by J. M. Gaugengigl and T. V. Chominski, which forms an
attractive item for the collector of fine books. This work was also on
sale in England by G. Routledge & Sons, who, in 1894, brought out a
diminutive edition of "The Cricket on the Hearth," very tastefully
printed by Guillaume of Paris, and containing several little woodcuts
designed by Marold and Mittis. The same story was included in the
reprints of Dickens's Christmas Books published by A. & F. Pears, having
twenty-five clever illustrations by Lucius Rossi, carried out in a style
somewhat similar to those by Charles Green. Particular interest attaches
to certain volumes published by Cassell & Co., entitled "Gleanings from
Popular Authors" (1882, &c.), as they contain several illustrations of
Dickens scenes by Joseph Nash, Fred. Barnard, T. Walter Wilson, J. E.
Christie, and Gordon Browne, the son of the famous "Phiz." To a booklet
entitled "Tales from Pickwick" (G. Routledge & Sons, 1888), Mr. E. J.
Wheeler contributed seven original and well-executed designs.
Messrs. Chapman & Hall's recently-published Gadshill Edition of "Hunted
Down" and "George Silverman's Explanation" contains three designs by Mr.
Maurice Greiffenhagen, who, like Mr. Phil May, now figures as an
illustrator of Dickens for the first time. Mr. Greiffenhagen is also
preparing six original drawings for "American Notes" and "Pictures from
Italy," which will be reproduced by photogravure for the same Edition,
while another well-known artist, Mr. Harry Furniss, has been
commissioned to provide four illustrations of a like character for "The
Uncommercial Traveller."
As I write, another edition of "David Copperfield" is announced for
early publication by Mr. George Allen, the special feature of which will
be the thirty-six designs by a new Dickens illustrator, Mr. Phil May,
whose admirable draughtsmanship is familiar to us; there will also be
issued a limited number of sets of the illustrations,--full-size
_facsimiles_ of the drawings, signed by the artist and accompanied by
descriptive text. Messrs. J. M. Dent & Co. are preparing an edition of
Dickens's Works for their Temple Library, an interesting feature of
which will be a series of coloured frontispieces, from original drawings
by Miss L. M. Fisher, Mr. F. C. Tilney, and W. C. Cooke.
APPENDIX
II
CONCERNING "EXTRA ILLUSTRATIONS"
Independent Publications--Unauthorised Designs--List of
Additional Illustrations--Dickens's Calendars, Relief
Scraps, &c.--"ALFRED CROWQUILL"--His Etchings in _Bentley's
Miscellany_--An Admirable Vocalist--His Illustrations for
"Pickwick Abroad"--KENNY MEADOWS--"The Nestor of _Punch's_
Staff"--His Drawings in the _Illustrated London News_--His
Work Criticised--A Civil-List Pension--A Delightful
_Raconteur_--T. ONWHYN--His Signatures of "Sam Weller,
Junr.," and "Peter Palette"--Illustrates Cockton's
Novels--Plates for "Pickwick" Recently Discovered--"JACOB
PARALLEL"--A Punning Advertisement--His Designs for "Charley
Chalk"--F. W. PAILTHORPE--The only Survivor of the "Old
School"--A Friend of George Cruikshank--Coloured Plates--C.
D. GIBSON--His Drawing of the Pickwick Club--His
Individuality of Style.
Since the publication of "The Pickwick Papers" there have appeared, from
time to time, a number of designs illustrating the novels of Charles
Dickens which were issued independently of the particular stories that
inspired them, and generally without letterpress. Artists and publishers
alike thus availed themselves of the enormous popularity achieved by
Dickens's writings, confident in the belief that financial success would
attend their efforts. Among those responsible for the designing of what
are usually termed "Extra Illustrations" were many well-known
draughtsmen of the day, including Hablôt K. Browne ("Phiz"), Sir John
Gilbert, R.A., Onwhyn, Kenny Meadows, Alfred Forrester ("Crowquill"),
and, more recently, Fred. Barnard and F. W. Pailthorpe. It must,
however, be admitted that, with regard to certain productions by artists
less skilled in the use of the pencil or etching-needle, such attempts
to interpret Dickens's conceptions conspicuously fail.
In particular instances the publication of supplementary plates was
approved by Dickens, but, for the most part, these independent
illustrations were really unauthorised, the booksellers merely trading
on the popularity of the novels (especially the earlier ones), which
afforded unlimited scope for pictorial treatment. That there must have
been a fairly constant demand for them is proved by their number and
variety, nearly every form of reproductive art being made available for
these designs, including steel-engraving, etching, wood-engraving,
lithography, chromo-lithography, photogravure, &c. Some of the scarcer
sets realise high prices, and are naturally much in request. In the
following list, which, I believe, is practically complete, I have
included a few Dickens illustrations that were published in periodicals,
in some cases with letterpress; although these cannot strictly be
regarded as "Extra Illustrations," they are not without interest to the
collector of such ephemeral productions. The names of the artists are
alphabetically arranged.
J. ABSOLON AND F. CORBEAUX.
BARNABY RUDGE.--Four engravings on steel by Finden, from
drawings by Absolon and Corbeaux. Crown 8vo, green wrapper,
price one shilling. To accompany the first Cheap Edition,
1849. London: Chapman & Hall, 186 Strand, N.D.
These designs were portraits of the principal characters,
viz., Dolly Varden and Barnaby Rudge, by J. Absolon; Emma
Haredale and Miss Miggs, by F. Corbeaux--the latter plate
forming the frontispiece.
F. BARNARD.
CHARACTER SKETCHES FROM DICKENS.--Six lithographs, portraits
of Mrs. Gamp, Alfred Jingle, Bill Sikes and his Dog, Little
Dorrit, Sidney Carton, Pickwick. Elephant folio. London:
Cassell, Petter & Galpin, N.D. [1879]. Afterwards issued as
photogravures (20 in. by 14-1/2 in.), price one guinea.
Reproductions on a reduced scale, etched by C. W. Walker,
were published by Estes & Lauriat, New York, N.D.
CHARACTER SKETCHES FROM DICKENS.--Second Series. Six
photogravures. Portraits of the two Wellers, Caleb Plummer
and his Blind Daughter, Rogue Riderhood, Mr. Peggotty,
Little Nell and her Grandfather, Mr. Pecksniff. Same
publishers, 1884.
CHARACTER SKETCHES FROM DICKENS.--Third Series. Six
photogravures. Bob Cratchit and Tiny Tim, Uriah Heep, Dick
Swiveller and the Marchioness, Betsy Trotwood, Captain
Cuttle, Mr. Micawber. Same publishers, 1885.
The entire series of eighteen plates were republished in Mr.
Thomas Archer's "Charles Dickens: Gossip about his Life,
Works, and Characters," issued by the same firm. Sixteen of
these Character Sketches were subsequently reproduced in a
cheap form, and presented to the readers of _Cassell's
Family Magazine_ upon the occasion of its enlargement in
December 1896.
PLATE LXVIII
ALFRED CROWQUILL (A. H. FORRESTER)
From a Photograph by
J. F. KNIGHTS
FREDERICK BARNARD, R.I.
From a Photograph by
J. W. ROLLER
_Lent by Mrs. F. Barnard._
[Illustration]
[Illustration]
Two series of "Character Sketches," reproduced by
photogravure, were included in "Gebbie's Select
Portfolios of Literature and Art," Gebbie & Husson Co.
(Limited), Philadelphia, 1888-89. Eighteen of these were
executed from the above designs by F. Barnard, five from
drawings by other artists, and one from a photograph, the
six additional subjects being portraits of characters not
comprised in Barnard's gallery, viz., Henry Irving as
Jingle, Mr. Toole as the Artful Dodger, Lotta as the
Marchioness, Jo the Crossing-Sweeper, Newman Noggs, Mr.
Squeers and Mr. Snawley, Montagu Tigg introduces himself to
Martin Chuzzlewit and Tom Pinch.
The India-Proof Edition was issued in portfolios, green and
buff, with embossed design in gold and colour.
THE SHAKESPEARE-DICKENS COMBINATION COMPANY.--Published in
_Lika Joko_, an Illustrated Weekly Conducted by Harry
Furniss, from November 17, 1894, to February 23, 1895.
W. G. BAXTER.
STUDIES FROM CHARLES DICKENS. Two series of portraits of the
principal characters, twenty-two in each series. Published
in _Momus_, an illustrated comic weekly periodical,
Manchester, from September 25, 1879, to February 2, 1882. A
selection from these portraits were reprinted in _C. H.
Ross's Variety Paper_, February 1888.
C. B. BRACEWELL.
BARNABY RUDGE.--Etching of Barnaby, with a view of the
"Boot" Inn. (The only impression I have seen is in Mr. J. F.
Dexter's Collection.)
H. K. BROWNE ("Phiz").
PICKWICK.--"Illustrations to the Cheap Edition of the Works
of Mr. Charles Dickens." Six Illustrations to The Posthumous
Papers of the Pickwick Club, Engraved [on wood] from the
Original Drawings by "Phiz." Green wrapper, small 8vo, price
one shilling, N.D. [1847]. London: Darton & Clark, Holborn
Hill; Joseph Cundall, 12 Old Bond Street; John Menzies,
Edinburgh; Cumming & Ferguson, Dublin; James Macleod,
Glasgow. And sold by all Booksellers in Town and Country.
The word "misletoe" is mis-spelt in the title on one of the
woodcuts. (_See p. 72._)
THE OLD CURIOSITY SHOP.--"Four Plates, engraved [in stipple]
under the superintendence of Hablôt K. Browne and Robert
Young, to illustrate the first Cheap Edition of 'The Old
Curiosity Shop.'" Price one shilling. Green wrapper. The
subjects are: Little Nell and her Grandfather, the
Marchioness, Barbara, and The Death of Little Nell.
"Published with the Approbation of Mr. Charles Dickens."
London: Chapman & Hall, 1848. Also proofs on india-paper,
one shilling each portrait. A few sets coloured, now very
scarce. (_See p. 85._)
BARNABY RUDGE.--"Four Plates, engraved [in stipple] under
the superintendence of Hablôt K. Browne and Robert Young, to
illustrate the Cheap Edition of 'Barnaby Rudge.'" Portraits
of Emma Haredale, Dolly Varden, Barnaby and Hugh, Mrs.
Varden and Miggs. "Published with the Approbation of Mr.
Charles Dickens." London: Chapman & Hall, 186 Strand, 1849.
Issued in green wrapper, price one shilling. A few sets
coloured, now very scarce. These and the preceding designs
were re-engraved by E. Roffe in 1889. (_See p. 85._)
"LITTLE NELL" and "DOLLY VARDEN." Engraved on steel by Edwin
Roffe, from hitherto unpublished drawings by Hablôt K.
Browne. On india-paper, the impression limited to 100
proofs, with _remarques_ printed in black, and 100 with
_remarques_ in brown, after which the _remarques_ were
cancelled. These plates were accompanied by explanatory
text, and issued in a leatherette case, price 10s. 6d.
Published by Frank T. Sabin, 3 Garrick Street, W.C., and
John F. Dexter, 16 Minford Gardens, West Kensington, 1889.
DOMBEY AND SON.--"The Four Portraits of Edith, Florence,
Alice, and Little Paul. Engraved [on steel] under the
superintendence of R. Young and H. K. Browne. From Designs
by Hablôt K. Browne. And Published with the Sanction of Mr.
Charles Dickens." London: Chapman & Hall, 186 Strand, 1848.
In green wrapper, price one shilling. These engravings were
also published as proofs on india-paper, 4to, price one
shilling each portrait. Some sets coloured.
DOMBEY AND SON.--"Full-length Portraits of Dombey and
Carker, Miss Tox, Mrs. Skewton, Mrs. Pipchin, Old Sol and
Captain Cuttle, Major Bagstock, Miss Nipper, and Polly. In
Eight Plates, Designed and Etched by Hablôt K. Browne, and
published with the Sanction of Mr. Charles Dickens." London:
Chapman & Hall, 186 Strand, 1848. In green wrapper, price
two shillings. Some sets coloured. The series of twenty
plates, viz., "The Old Curiosity Shop," "Barnaby Rudge," and
"Dombey and Son," were recently reprinted on india-paper,
and issued by F. T. Sabin in a portfolio, price £2, 10s.
(_See pp. 100-101._)
"BRUSH."
MASTER HUMPHREY'S CLOCK.--No. 1. Portraits of Master
Humphrey, Little Nell, and the Old Man, with remarks on each
character, and an address, stating that "The following
sketches are the commencement of a series illustrating the
principal characters in 'Master Humphrey's Clock,' to appear
at monthly intervals, in parts similar to the present."
Etchings by "Brush." London, printed for the proprietor by
W. T. Davey, 16 Great Sutton Street, Clerkenwell; published
by W. Britain, 11 Paternoster Row, 1840. Price one shilling.
ALFRED BRYAN.
CHARACTERS FROM DICKENS.--Full-length studies of the
principal characters. Published in _Jack and Jill_, 1886.
CHRISTOPHER COVENY.
TWENTY SCENES FROM THE WORKS OF DICKENS.--Designed and
etched by Christopher Coveny, with letterpress descriptions.
Sydney: Printed for Thos. H. Fielding by John Sands, 374
George Street, 1883. 4to.
The subjects of eleven of these plates are taken from
"Pickwick." A duplicate plate (No. 7), representing Mr.
Pickwick and his friends on the ice, is also included, the
subject being re-etched and the design altered because the
first plate too much resembled "Phiz's" rendering of this
scene.
"ALFRED CROWQUILL" (Alfred Henry Forrester).
PICTURES PICKED FROM THE PICKWICK PAPERS.--Forty lithographs
(etchings on stone) by Standidge & Co., from drawings by
"Alfred Crowquill," comprising nearly two hundred subjects.
Issued in ten parts (or sheets), buff illustrated wrappers,
from May 1 to November 9, 1837. Price of each part, one
shilling plain, two shillings coloured. Published complete
in lavender-tinted wrapper, demy 8vo, and in cloth. London:
Ackermann & Co., 96 Strand [1837]. The plates in Part I.
only are signed. Reproductions have also been issued, etched
on copper by F. W. Pailthorpe and published by F. T. Sabin,
1880. Price, coloured, £2, 15s., uncoloured, £1, 18s. Within
the last few years sets of the "Crowquill" plates have been
catalogued at twenty guineas. (_See also_ "Thomas Onwhyn.")
F. O. C. DARLEY.
SCENES FROM DICKENS.--Eight photo-etchings, from original
paintings--the last productions of this American artist.
Issued in a portfolio, and afterwards printed in the
Imperial Edition of the novelist's works by Estes & Lauriat,
Boston, U.S.A.
A. DULCKEN.
SCENES FROM THE PICKWICK PAPERS.--Designed and drawn on
stone by Augustus Dulcken. Four plates, oblong folio,
illustrated wrapper. Under each plate is a descriptive
quotation. London: Bickers & Bush, 1 Leicester Square, N.D.
[1861]. Proofs, 10s. 6d. Very scarce. The subjects of the
designs are: (1) Death of the Chancery Prisoner; (2) Meeting
of the Ebenezer Temperance Association; (3) The Leg of
Mutton "Swarry;" (4) The Old Man's Tale about a Queer
Client. On the wrapper are depicted portraits of Pickwick,
Sam Weller, and Alfred Jingle; and scenes representing the
Shooting Party at Wardle's, and Mrs. Weller entertaining
Stiggins.
J. W. EHNINGER.
DICKENS CHARACTERS.--Photographic reproductions of drawings
by J. W. Ehninger. Cabinet size, price one shilling each
portrait. Published by W. A. Mansell & Co., 316, 317 (now
405), Oxford Street, London, 1876. The series included the
following: Mr. Pickwick, Sam Weller, The Fat Boy, Rev.
Stiggins, Mrs. Gamp, Mr. Pecksniff, Little Nell and her
Grandfather, Dolly Varden, Florence and Paul Dombey, Edith
Dombey (two versions), Little Em'ly, and Little Dorrit.
C. D. GIBSON.
THE PEOPLE OF DICKENS.--Six large photogravures from
original drawings. Issued in a portfolio, proofs, 20s.
London: John Lane; New York: R. H. Russell, 1897. These
drawings were originally made for an American publication
called _The Ladies' Home Journal_, and were reprinted in
_Black and White_ at intervals during 1896-97.
SIR JOHN GILBERT, R.A.
PICKWICK.--"Appleyard's Edition. Price 2d. Plates to
illustrate the Cheap Edition of the Works of Mr. Charles
Dickens. From original designs by John Gilbert, Esq.
Engraved [on wood] by Messrs. Greenaway & Wright." Eight
monthly parts, post 8vo, each containing four plates
engraved on wood. Buff illustrated wrappers. Part 4 was
issued with Part 5 in one wrapper, and the same condition
was observed regarding Parts 7 and 8, the price of these
double numbers being fourpence. Some of the designs are
printed on the front of the wrappers, and on the inside of
the back of the last wrapper appears a list of the
thirty-two plates, with pagination. A limited number were
printed on india-paper. London: E. Appleyard, 86 Farringdon
Street, N.D. [1847]. These excellent plates are extremely
rare.
NICHOLAS NICKLEBY.--"Appleyard's Edition. Price 2d. Plates
to illustrate the Cheap Edition of the Works of Mr. Charles
Dickens." Thirty-two designs, engraved on wood by Greenaway
& Wright, and published in parts. Post 8vo. The first
instalment (with portrait of Squeers on a buff illustrated
wrapper) contains four designs, which were all that Gilbert
produced, the remainder (unsigned) being by inferior
artists, the majority engraved by C. M. Gorway. Published
complete in a yellow illustrated wrapper by E. Appleyard, 86
Farringdon Street, London. Price 1s. 6d.
PLATE LXIX
F. W. PAILTHORPE
From a Photograph by
F. W. CLARK
_Lent by the Artist._
CHARLES GREEN, R.I.
From a Photograph
_Lent by Mr. Townley Green, R.I._
[Illustration]
[Illustration]
"THE CRICKET ON THE HEARTH."--Six woodcut Portraits of the
Principal Characters. Unsigned. _The Pictorial Times_, Dec.
27, 1845.
W. HEATH.
"PICKWICKIAN ILLUSTRATIONS."-Twenty etched designs, demy
8vo. Ornamental paper wrapper, having title printed in gold
on a black label. Price 5s. London: T. McLean, Haymarket,
1837. All the plates bear the title, "Pickwickian
Illustrations" as a headline, and, with the exception of the
last four, are numbered; the last four bear the publisher's
imprint. A set of these scarce etchings was recently
catalogued at twenty guineas.
"KYD" (J. Clayton Clarke).
THE CHARACTERS OF CHARLES DICKENS.--A series of original
water-colour drawings, signed with monogram, J.C.C. A
collection of these, 241 in number, realised ten guineas at
the Cosens sale in 1890. Mr. Thomas Wilson possesses 331
drawings by "Kyd," which probably include those formerly
owned by the late Mr. F. W. Cosens.
A series of twenty-four of these drawings were reproduced by
chromo-lithography, small 4to, illustrated boards, and
published by Raphael Tuck & Sons, London, Paris, and New
York, N.D.
THE CHARACTERS OF DICKENS.--Studies of a few of the leading
personages in the novels. _The Fleet Street Magazine_, 1887.
W. MADDOX and H. WARREN.
"LITTLE NELL" and "MRS. QUILP."--Engraved by Finden from
drawings by W. Maddox and H. Warren respectively, for the
first Cheap Edition of "The Old Curiosity Shop," 1848.
London: Chapman & Hall. Kenny Meadows designed a portrait of
"Barbara" for the same work.
KENNY MEADOWS.
DICKENS CHARACTERS.--"Gallery of Comicalities."--"London
Particulars." This series of portraits (some of which are
signed with the artist's initials) include Fagin, the Artful
Dodger, Charley Bates, Sam Weller, Oliver Twist, Mr. Bumble.
Each portrait is accompanied by a poem of forty lines.
Published in _Bell's Life in London_, 1838.
HEADS FROM "NICHOLAS NICKLEBY."--Portraits of twenty-four of
the principal characters, "from drawings by Miss La Creevy."
Six parts, demy 8vo, price 6d. each. London: Robert Tyas,
Cheapside, N.D. [1839]. The separate parts were enclosed in
a buff illustrated wrapper, having at each corner a portrait
of a member of the Nickleby family, and in the centre a
representation of Miss La Creevy, seated before a portrait
of "Boz" (after S. Laurence). Included among the
advertisements in the first number is an announcement of
this production, with an engraving depicting Miss La Creevy
at work. The illustrations are here said to be "etched by A.
Drypoint," but they are really woodcuts. The following
explanatory statement, which forms part of the announcement,
is not without interest: "These 'Heads' will comprise
Portraits of the most interesting individuals that appear in
'The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby,' selected at
the period when their very actions define their true
character, and exhibit the inward mind by its outward
manifestations. Each Portrait will be a literal transcript
from the accurate and vividly minute descriptions of this
able and graphic author, and will present to the eye an
equally faithful version of the maiden simplicity of Kate
Nickleby--the depravity of Sir Mulberry Hawk--the imbecility
of his dupe--the heartless villainy of the calculating
Ralph--the generosity of the noble-minded Nicholas--the
broken spirit of poor Smike--and the brutality of Squeers.
These and many others furnish subjects for the display of
the Artist's genius, and will form an interesting and most
desirable addition to the work." The "Heads" were also
issued in a collected form, in a green wrapper and in cloth,
and were republished in "The Scrap Book of Literary
Varieties," the names of the characters being changed into
brief descriptive titles, such as "Miniature Painter"
instead of "Miss La Creevy." Cloth, 8vo. London: Edward
Lacy, 74 St. Paul's Churchyard, N.D.
"BARBARA."--Engraved by Finden, and published with two
plates by W. Maddox and H. Warren to illustrate the first
Cheap Edition of "The Old Curiosity Shop," 1848. Price 7d.
London: Chapman & Hall.
THOMAS ONWHYN ("Sam Weller," "Peter Palette").