An Unkind Wish

c. 1833

George Cruikshank

Associated Names
George Cruikshank

Artist, British, 1792 - 1878

This is a drawing titled "An Unkind Wish". It features two figures in a humorous style. One figure is on the left, wearing baggy clothing and a hat, while the other figure on the right is tall and thin, wearing a suit and top hat. The thin figure is holding a cane. Above them is a caption that reads, "May your Shadow never be less!" The drawing is signed by George Cruikshank. At the bottom, there are quick sketches of other figures engaged in various activities. The artwork uses simple lines with some watercolor washes.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    pen and brown ink with watercolor on wove paper

  • Credit Line

    Joseph F. McCrindle Collection

  • Dimensions

    sheet: 10.5 x 16.3 cm (4 1/8 x 6 7/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2009.70.100

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Joseph F. McCrindle [1923-2008], New York; Joseph F. McCrindle Foundation, 2008; gift to NGA, 2009.

Associated Names

Bibliography

2012

  • Grasselli, Margaret M., and Arthur K. Wheelock, Jr., eds. The McCrindle Gift: A Distinguished Collection of Drawings and Watercolors. Exh. cat. National Gallery of Art. Washington, 2012: 168 (color).

Inscriptions

by artist, upper center in pen and brown ink: "May your Shadow never be less"!; by artist, center in pen and brown ink: An Unkind wish.; signed by artist, lower center in pen and black ink: George Cruikshank (underlined)

Wikidata ID

Q64571342

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