The Horse-Riding Party

Sol Eytinge

Wood engraving, approximately 10 cm high by 7.5 cm wide (framed), facing p. 389.

Second illustration for Dickens's Hard Times in the single volume Barnaby Rudge and Hard Times in the Ticknor & Fields (Boston, 1867) Diamond Edition.

In his study of the three principal "horse-riders," Eytinge has synthesised two different textual descriptions in chapter 6, "Sleary's Horsemanship," in that he depicts the asthmatic Sleary, the circus-master, with his two star performers, E. W. B. Childers and the diminutive Master Kidderminster, the circus company's Cupid in its equestrian performances, both unfortunately (to match the facing page) in civilian clothing at the Pegasus's Arms, rather than in their more picturesque professional attire. [Commentary continues below.]

Scanned image and text by Philip V. Allingham.

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