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.

Victorian Valentine's Day And Romance Illustrations From The Harper's Young People Illustrations Book From 1889

Nothing speaks Valentine's Day more than Cupid.  And, what Cupid is more charming than the one in the illustration above that appeared in the March 16, 1889 weekly in the Harper's Young People Illustrated book on page 273.  The illustration above was entitled " Love's Valentine" and was drawn by Jessie Shepherd (Jessie Curtis Shepherd).

As a child I can remember getting little paper Valentines on Valentine's Day - can't you?  I can also remember my mother telling me that I could participate but I would need to give a Valentine to every student in the class.  When I asked her why I had to give one to everyone she simply smiled and said: "So no one is left out."  Given I was in the first grade back then I didn't understand the significance of that.  I certainly do now.

The illustration above was in the March 16, 1889 weekly of the Harper's Young People Illustrated book on page 285 and was entitled "Where Cupid Took His Valentine."  It wasn't signed so I don't know who drew it but I find it totally charming and hope you do too.

There are three little illustrations contained within this picture as well as a totally charming poem to go along with the drawings.

"I'm getting sick of Valentines" 

Said Cupid to his brother.

"And do you know I almost think

 I'll never send another.

I carried one a year ago,

 To little Rosebud May,

And found that twenty more or less, 

Had come for her that day.

Now when you send a Valentine 

"Said Cupid," what's the fun.

Of knowing that it simply counts

As "number twenty-one."

I know a child," his brother said

"A little friend of mine,

Who never yet in all her life

Has had a Valentine."

"I'll take her one," cried Cupid,

Springing lightly to his feet,

"Tell me the number of her house,

And kindly name the street."

And only waiting to be told

The best and shortest way

He spread his shining silver wings, 

And flew without delay.

He found the little girl and stood

Before her in surprise

For shabby gowns and ragged cloaks

Were strange to Cupid's eyes.

This lassie had a sweet round face

A dimple in her chin,

But ah, alas! her shoes were worn,

Her dress was old and thin.

One moment Cupid stood amazed

Then with a bow as fine

As any ever seen at court

He gave the Valentine.

"For me!" the little maiden cried

Her eye alight with joy.

"I never had one in my life

Oh, thank you little boy!"

"The thanks are mine," said Cupid,

Still bowing very low

I'll always be your Valentine

If you will have it so."

"Oh dear, how nice!" then with a blush,

"I'm very poor you know."

"Oh that's no matter," Cupid cried,

And smiling turned to go.

Now every year that little lass,

Whose dress is poor and old

Receives the prettiest Valentine

That can be bought for gold.

And Cupid tells his brother,

When e'er they chance to meet,

That rich or poor it matter not

When a little girl is sweet.

Can't you just picture the little maiden above crying: "For me!" I certainly can and love the expression on her face as well as the poem.

Sometimes  you can just feel the love even from a simple illustration, like the one above which appeared in a story about a sea captain in the May 11, 1889 weekly of the Harper's Young People Illustrated book on page 404.

Happy Valentine's Day everyone.

Old Man Winter Illustrations From The Harper's Young People Illustrations Book From 1889

For someone who doesn't like winter and snow I don't mind making snowmen or looking at Victorian winter illustrations like the illustration above which was in the December 8, 1888 weekly in the Harper's Young People Illustrated Book on page 61.  It was entitled "Such a Heavy Load."

The illustration above was in the November 2, 1889 weekly in the Harper's Young People Illustrated Book on page 814.  It was entitled "Our Champion Climbers."

I just love the look on the little girl and little boy's face.  She looks like she's say, "This is not fun!" He looks like he's saying, "See, I told you we could do this."

The illustration above was in the December 1, 1888 weekly in the Harper's Young People Illustrated Book on page 41. It was drawn by E.J. Meeker.

I just love the old man winter image in the sky and the saying:

King winter rules o'er hill and plain,

And shrill the north wind whistles.

While snow-flakes white, a fairy train,

Fall soft as floating thistles.

For look, a painter grey and old,

Above the storm abiding,

With stars and spheres and crystals cold,

The bare brown earth is hiding.

I hope you enjoyed seeing the Victorian old man winter illustrations.

Victorian Girls and Dolls Pictures From The Harper's Young People Illustrations Book From 1889

I love dolls.  I love making dolls and I always loved playing with my dolls.  I also love the Victorian Era, history, and books.  So, it should come as no surprise that I would love illustrations from the Harper's Young People Illustrations Book From 1889 that I found recently.

As you might recall from a previous Linda's Blog post Some of the mixed media projects this summer I created some mixed media items that required quite a bit of old book papers for collage purposes.  So much so I ran out of the book pages.

Well, in looking around the house I found an old Harper's Young People Illustrations Book from 1889 that was in poor condition and with some of the pages already missing.

I don't know where this book came from and who it belonged to.  Most of the old books I have belonged to my great Aunt Flossie but I didn't think this was one of hers.  The time-frame was right but the book wasn't signed with her name - which she always did on the inside of the front cover.

Victorian Happy New Year Illustration From The Harper's Young People Illustrations Book From 1889

What better way to send a "Happy New Year" greeting than with a beautiful illustration from the cover of the February 2, 1889 weekly in the Harper's Young People Illustrated Book on page 177.  It was entitled "New Year Greeting" and was drawn by F.S. Church, N.A.

I, too wish you all a Happy New Year.

Victorian Christmas Illustrations From The Harper's Young People Illustrations Book From 1889

I decided that one of my all time favorite illustrations that I saw in the Harper's Young People Illustrated Books was the one that appeared on page 97 of the December 29, 1888 weekly.

I love it for three reasons: 1) The most adorable Santa figure I've seen;

Victorian Illustrations of Real Life From The Harper's Young People Illustrations Book From 1889

Not all the illustrations in the Harper's Young People weekly's were of joy or celebration.  Some were of the grim reality of life and the event of the day.

Such was the case with the illustration above appeared in the December 15, 1888 weekly in the Harper's Young People Illustrated Book on page 76.  It was entitled " The doctor drew the man's left hand to him and felt his pulse" and was part of a story entitled "Uncle Peter's Trust" written by George B. Perry about a dying man.

You can just feel the sorrow and compassion in the room for this man as he lay dying.

The illustration above appeared in the December 1, 1888 weekly in the Harper's Young People Illustrated Book on page 40.  It was entitled "Frank was contented to lie still while she chattered to him."  It was drawn for the story entitled "Floride's Patient. A True Story of the War." written by Bertha Watson.

You can just feel the compassion the young girl has for the young man in the hospital bed and her desire to cheer him up.

The illustration above appeared in the March 30, 1889 weekly in the Harper's Young People Illustrated Book on page 312.  It was entitled "The boy murmured softly to his mute playmate and toyed with his ears."

There is no doubt the mother above is concerned for her sick child and her need to comfort him.  Even the family dog tries to do what he can.

I hope you enjoyed the Victorian illustrations of real life shown above.

Victorian Mother's and Children Illustrations From The Harper's Young People Illustrations Book From 1889

There's nothing quite like looking at the different expressions of family members within gatherings - especially the expressions of mother's and children.

You cannot help but feel the despair in the face of the mother from the illustration above that appeared in the July 27, 1889 weekly in the Harper's Young People Illustrated Book on page 580. It was entitled "Homeless" and was drawn for the poem "Homeless" written by Dora Read Goodale.

The illustration above appeared in the February 9, 1889 weekly in the Harper's Young People Illustrated Book on page 670. It was entitled "Celestial Geography." The captions were: "Charlie (recently promoted to the study of geography, and much interested in the same.) "Mamma, do all the big countries have capitals?" Mamma. 'Yes, Dear."  Charlie. "Then what's the capital of heaven?"

For the above you can see the questioning look on the boy and the surprised look on the mother who is trying to decide how to answer that question.

Victorian Children and Animals Illustrations From The Harper's Young People Illustrations Book From 1889

One of the things that delighted me so much with the illustrations from the Harper's Young People weekly was the number of illustrations of Victorian children with animals, like the illustration above that appeared in the August 31, 1889 weekly in the Harper's Young People Illustrated Book on page 670. The illustration was entitled "Getting ready for a walk."

When I was a young girl I can remember times when we found bird's nests with baby birds in them that seemed to be abandoned by their mothers.  We always tried to help the little babies and would take them home and with the help of our Dad try to feed them.  I can remember using a little eye dropper to feed them water and digging up worms to feed them.  Unfortunately we weren't successful in our endeavors.

Victorian Children At Play Illustrations From The Harper's Young People Illustrations Book From 1889

There's nothing more delightful than watching young children play.  As a young child I have such fond memories of playing with my older brother or friends.  We were usually outside running around, playing a sport, riding our bikes, playing on the beach and looking for crabs, or getting into trouble with our antics.....lol

Seems times have drastically changed for children as I rarely see any children playing outside anymore.

So, of course I was drawn to the Victorian images of children playing like the illustration above which appeared in the December 8, 1888 weekly of the Harper's Young People Illustrations Book from 1889 on page 46.  It's entitled "The Only Boy In The Family."

In looking at the illustration you might think it was labelled wrong and that the child is a girl.  Well, it seems in the Victorian era boys and girls clothing was indistinguishable. There was a practical reason for why boys worn dresses and it has to do with diapers and potty training.  It would have taken way too much time for changing a little boy.  It was so much easier to just lift the dress. Unbuttoning Victorian trousers was way too time consuming for mothers and way too difficult for little boys to do.

I just love the illustration above entitled 'The Gossips."  It appeared in the July 6, 1889 weekly of the Harper's Young People Illustrations Book on page 540.  How adorable are these two? Wonder what they were talking about?

For the Love of Reading - Victorian Girls and Their Books Illustrations

If you've been a reader of my Linda's Blog for awhile you know that I've had a long term love affair with dolls, doll patterns, the Victorian era, floral design, genealogy, research, history and books. As far as I'm concerned you can never have enough dolls and you can never have enough books.

So, of course, I would be drawn to illustrations of Victorian girls and their books from the Harper's Young People Illustrations Book of 1889, like the illustration shown above.  It appeared in the May 18, 1889 weekly of the Harper's Young People Illustrations Book from 1889 on Page 420.

It was drawn by Rosina Emmet Sherwood and appeared in a story "The A.O.I.B.R" by Elizabeth Eggleston Seelye.  According to her Wikipedia page: "Her story "“The A.O.I.B.R." appeared in Harper's Bazaar in 1889 with an illustration of a child reading. The Rockwell Centre for American Visual Studies cites this as a surprisingly early illustration of a girl reading. The subject of girls reading in the illustration by Rosina Emmet Sherwood is thought rare (like the ones in Louisa Allcott's Little Women)."

The caption reads: "She retired to the society of books." This brings back wonderful memories for me as so many times when I was growing up you could find me like this.

My house is filled with books of all kinds. My love affair with books and reading began very early on. My Mother was an avid reader, my Father was an avid reader, my Grandmother and Great-Aunt were avid readers, and so it was passed down to my siblings and I.

I have such fond memories of sitting in my Grandmother's rocking chair (which I still have) and having her read me a story. Sometimes we would sit there while she was watching her soap opera's and she would rock with me in her lap.  Kind of like in the illustration above from the March 9, 1889 weekly of the  Harper's Young People Illustrations Book from 1889 on page 270.

Sometimes she would read me a story. I never minded just sitting there with her. I always knew there would be a story. And, I always felt safe in her arms.

Now, when I read I think about sitting with my Grandmother or listening to my Mom and Dad talk about their love of reading and it brings back warm and pleasant feelings for me.

Victorian Children At School Illustrations From The Harper's Young People Illustrations Book From 1889

I don't really think it matters what the time frame is when it comes to school being difficult at times for students.  The look on the face of the little girl in the illustration above could just as well be from 2019 as 1889.  All you have to see is the expression on her face to feel her distress.

The illustration above is from the December 1, 1888 weekly of the Harper's Young People Illustrated book on page 45.  It was entitled "Katy's First Recitation in Geography After Vacation." (Or something that sounds very much like it.)

While you can easily feel the young girls distress in the recitation illustration at the beginning of this post you certainly can feel the sorry for the little girl in the engraving above who is so distressed she's sobbing while a friend tries to comfort her.  She's in detention for whatever reason and is upset by this.  I think we've all had times at school where as young children we were brought to tears.  I just want to go over to her, put my arms around her and comfort her.  I doubt the school mistress did that.

The Dolls Christmas Dinner Illustration From The Harper's Young People Illustrations Book From 1889

Some of the mixed media projects I created this summer required quite a bit of old book papers for collage purposes.  So much so I ran out of the book pages.  Truth be told it wasn't the projects themselves that used up the paper it was the number of projects I was creating..... lol

Well, in looking around the house I found an old Harper's Young People Illustrations Book from 1889 that was in poor condition and with some of the pages already missing.

I don't know where this book came from and who it belonged to.  Most of the old books I have belonged to my great Aunt Flossie but I didn't think this was one of hers.  The time-frame was right but the book wasn't signed with her name - which she always did on the inside of the front cover.

I can remember as a young girl asking her why she signed all her books and she said; "so that anyone who borrows them will know who the books belong to."  Makes sense to me.  So, for my whole life every book I've ever bought I've signed the inside of the front cover, too.  Kind of a sweet tribute to my great Aunt.

I was pretty sure this book didn't belong to my great Aunt but had no idea where it came from or who gave it to me.  After all this time suffice to say I'll probably never know.

My Victorian Images, Ephemera and Vintage Images and Victorian Doll & Craft Tutorials, Shabby Chic & Vintage Tutorials, Video's, Pictures & How-To's Pinterest Boards

It is no secret that everything and anything Victorian is my passion. I just can't get enough of Victorian dresses, Victorian crafts, Victorian history, and Victorian images. I absolutely LOVE it all. And, I absolutely want to make everything I find.

I look at the beautiful Victorian dresses display on all the museum websites and find myself wanting to make a miniature version for a doll of mine. There are so many beautiful Victorian dresses out there it would be nearly impossible to make them all. That doesn't stop me from dreaming about it.

I also love Victorian images and saving all the Victorian images that I find on different websites that are sharing images in the public domain on my Pinterest board. Here, too I find myself dreaming of beautiful mixed media crafts I could make with them. I wish I could use each and every one of them. Use them all - I can't. Collect them on Pinterest - that I can do.

Victorian Images, Ephemera and Vintage Images

I just LOVE Victorian images, ephemera and vintage pictures - especially Victorian images that I can use with my mixed media creations and pictures of flowers or little girls and their dolls. Here's a few of my favorites.

If you love my Victorian Images, Ephemera and Vintage Images board please follow my board by clicking on the link above.

I also love searching the web for all the wonderful tutorials, patterns, articles, how-to's and printables there are for making Victorian arts and crafts. Some I have tried to make. Some are on my wish list. But, they are all fabulous and I want to make them all.

Again, this is impossible but I can continue to collect them on my Pinterest board. When I dream of Victorian crafts and want to see beautiful Victorian eye candy I can always visit my boards.

Victorian Doll & Craft Tutorials, Shabby Chic & Vintage Tutorials, Videos, Pictures & How-To's

I just LOVE everything and anything Victorian, Vintage, Shabby Chic or Cottage. I especially love watching video's, reading tutorials, patterns, articles, and how-to's on making Victorian dolls & crafts. I hope you like some of the ones I've found.

If you love my Victorian Doll & Craft Tutorials, Shabby Chic & Vintage Tutorials, Video's, Pictures & How-To's board please follow my board by clicking on the link above.

Victorian Bride picture courtesy of The Graphics Fairy

I Just Love These Victorian Graphics

I am definitely a lover of all things Victorian, including graphics. Here's a few of my favorites from Karen Watson's The Graphics Fairy:




I have Karen's website bookmarked as I just love her graphics and love including them in some of my blog posts.


Here's Karen's terms of use:

I have to confess I have a paper addiction! I've decided to share many pieces from my huge collection of vintage and antique paper items here on my site. Selections will include old wallpaper, early photos, advertising pieces, Victoriana scraps, and other assorted ephemera. These images are suitable to use in your collages, for scrapbooking, or as clip art for web design etc and they are free!

The Graphics Fairy is an angel company. Which means you can use these images to make a product that you intend to sell. There are a few rules though so please read below:

1. The graphics are free however you may not use more than 4 of the clip art images in any single product.
2. In order to use these lovely visuals you will need to save them to your computer. In order to do this first- click on the item that you would like (this will open a window with a much larger image) second - right click the larger image and select "save as" in the pop up box, and then click the save button in the lower right hand corner of the box.
3. Do not link directly to the images.
4. If you use these on your blog, website etc. Please include a link back to this site.
5. Have fun!

Please respect Karen's TERMS OF USE: - The Graphics Fairy is an Angel Company. You are free to use all clip art and photos, with the exception of the banner, in any of your projects created for resale or pleasure. Please do not use more than 4 of the graphic images within any one project, or single blog/website page. A link to the Graphics Fairy is very much appreciated, when including clipart on your blog or website. Thank you!

Copyright © 2007 - 2009 - All Rights Reserved - Karen Watson. Karen is the owner of The Graphics Fairy/ and Fleurish a brick and mortar store located in Leesburg, Virginia that specializes in well priced vintage furniture, stylish lamps, Italian paper products, and French glassware.

I'd love to incorporate some of her graphics into a product. My problem is that I love them all which means it would be difficult, if not impossible, for me to choose which one. Maybe someday I'll have some time to create some. In the meantime, I'll continue to love her blog posts.

Graphics courtesy of Karen Watson of The Graphics Fairy

Victorian Graphics My Sister-In-Law Would Love

I just love Victorian dolls and also happen to love Victorian graphics. One of my favorite graphics websites to visit is The Graphics Fairy by Karen Watson. She posts the most beautiful and adorable Victorian graphics you'd ever want to see. I just LOVE visiting her blog so I thought I'd show you a few of the Victorian graphics on her website that my sister-in-law would just LOVE.


You see, my sister-in-law is a dog lover and a bird lover. In fact, she's an animal lover. But, she's also a Victorian doll lover and has quite a few (make that many) of my handmade Victorian dolls. They're all showcased in a curio that my brother made for her and all along the headboard of their bed which my brother also made.


I know she'd love all the graphics in this post and hope she enjoys seeing them


Here's Karen's terms of use:

I have to confess I have a paper addiction! I've decided to share many pieces from my huge collection of vintage and antique paper items here on my site. Selections will include old wallpaper, early photos, advertising pieces, Victoriana scraps, and other assorted ephemera. These images are suitable to use in your collages, for scrapbooking, or as clip art for web design etc and they are free!

The Graphics Fairy is an angel company. Which means you can use these images to make a product that you intend to sell. There are a few rules though so please read below:

1. The graphics are free however you may not use more than 4 of the clip art images in any single product.
2. In order to use these lovely visuals you will need to save them to your computer. In order to do this first- click on the item that you would like (this will open a window with a much larger image) second - right click the larger image and select "save as" in the pop up box, and then click the save button in the lower right hand corner of the box.
3. Do not link directly to the images.
4. If you use these on your blog, website etc. Please include a link back to this site.
5. Have fun!

Please respect Karen's TERMS OF USE: - The Graphics Fairy is an Angel Company. You are free to use all clip art and photos, with the exception of the banner, in any of your projects created for resale or pleasure. Please do not use more than 4 of the graphic images within any one project, or single blog/website page. A link to the Graphics Fairy is very much appreciated, when including clipart on your blog or website. Thank you!

Copyright © 2007 - 2009 - All Rights Reserved - Karen Watson. Karen is the owner of The Graphics Fairy/ and Fleurish a brick and mortar store located in Leesburg, Virginia that specializes in well priced vintage furniture, stylish lamps, Italian paper products, and French glassware.

Graphics courtesy of Karen Watson of The Graphics Fairy

Cutest Victorian Graphics

Don't you just love these four animated Victorian Graphics. They came from Victoriana.com (Graphics by Victoriana.com, The Victorian Era Online). They are all part of the Victoriana.com collection of animated .gifs assembled from the original 19Th century illustrations.

I had to share them all with you because I think they are all just so precious.