Victorian Boys and Girls Engravings From The Harper's Young People Illustrations Book From 1889

I found when I was looking at all the illustrations from the Harper's Young People Illustrations Book published in 1889 that I was really drawn to the illustrations that were engraved.  I found the engraving process intriguing and, of course, had to find out more.

According to Wikipedia:  Engraving is the practice of incising a design onto a hard, usually flat surface by cutting grooves into it with a burin. The result may be a decorated object in itself, as when silver, gold, steel, or glass are engraved, or may provide an intaglio printing plate, of copper or another metal, for printing images on paper as prints or illustrations; these images are also called "engravings". Engraving is one of the oldest and most important techniques in printmaking.

After learning how they create these beautiful illustrations I was even more in awe of the the amazing detail with each.  I was especially in awe of the unbelievable facial expressions they were able to achieve.

I hope after looking at all the amazing illustrations below and the blown-up sections of the facial features you would agree.

The illustration above was in the December 8, 1888 weekly in the Harper's Young People Illustrated Book on page 58.  It was entitled "At Your Service!" and was from the painting by J.G. Brown, N.A.

Just look at the details on the little boys eyes and the tears in his clothing.

The illustration above was in the January 12, 1889 weekly in the Harper's Young People Illustrated Book on page 154.  It was entitled "A Christmas Vigil" and was drawn and engraved by Frank French.

How incredible are the detail;s on her eyes and hair?

The illustration above was in the November 24, 1888 weekly in the Harper's Young People Illustrated Book on page 25.  It was entitled " The Jumping Jack" and was from the painting by J.G. Brown, N.A.

I love the expression on this little boy's face.

The illustration above was in the January 12, 1889 weekly in the Harper's Young People Illustrated Book on page 137.  It was entitled "That's A Beauty!" from the painting by J.G. Brown, N.A.

The illustration above was on the cover of the March 2, 1889 weekly in the Harper's Young People Illustrated Book on page 241.  It was entitled "Else Leslie Lyde" from a photograph by Sabony.

The illustration above was on the cover of the May 11, 1889 weekly in the Harper's Young People Illustrated Book on page 402.  It was entitled "The Belle of the School" after the painting by J. Guy.

The illustration above was in the March 2, 1889 weekly in the Harper's Young People Illustrated Book on page 249.  It was entitled "The Jolly Beggar" from the painting by J. G. Brown, N.A.

The illustration above was in the July 27, 1889 weekly in the Harper's Young People Illustrated Book on page 585.  It was entitled "Morning Papers!" after the painting by J. G. Brown, N.A.

 

The illustration above was in the February 2, 1889 weekly in the Harper's Young People Illustrated Book on page 185.  It was entitled "Pegged Out!" from the picture by J. G. Brown, N.A.

How incredible are all of these. Wow!