Part 22

Among the American illustrators of the writings of Dickens, an important 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._

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._

"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.