Eastward Ho! August 1857, from "Illustrated London News"

After Henry Nelson O'Neil British, born Russia

May 22, 1858

Not on view

Published in the "Illustrated London News," this wood engraving shows British soldiers bidding farewell to family, sweethearts and friends as their ship departs for Calcutta—headed towards the Indian "Mutiny" (or Indian First War of Independence, 1857–59). Thomas's wood engraving reproduces an 1858 painting (now at Elton Hall) that propelled O'Neil to public prominence--after being shown at the Royal Academy in 1858, the work toured Britain and was seen by over half a million people. The interwoven bodies and linked hands suggest a range of relationships and anticipate the pending separation as visitors move down the steep steps.

Artwork Details

Overview

Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

Provenance

Title: Eastward Ho! August 1857, from "Illustrated London News"
Series/Portfolio: Illustrated London News
Engraver: William Luson Thomas (British, London 1830–1900 Chertsey, Surrey)
Artist: After Henry Nelson O'Neil (British (born Russia), St. Petersburg 1817–1880 London)
Date: May 22, 1858
Medium: Wood engraving
Dimensions: Sheet: 11 15/16 × 9 1/2 in. (30.4 × 24.2 cm)
Classification: Prints
Credit Line: Gift of Donato Esposito, 2013
Object Number: 2013.609.11
Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints

More Artwork

By William Luson Thomas

In the same medium

From the same time and place

A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.

L'Atelier de Rembrandt, tableau de J. Gilbert (Rembrandt's Studio, a painting by J. Gilbert), from "L'Univers Illustré," p. 395, William Luson Thomas British, Wood engraving — L'Atelier de Rembrandt, tableau de J. Gilbert (Rembrandt's Studio, a painting by J. Gilbert), from "L'Univers Illustré," p. 395
Multiple artists/makers
November 14, 1861

Claudio, from "Illustrated London News", William Luson Thomas British, Wood engraving — Claudio, from "Illustrated London News"
Multiple artists/makers
May 25, 1861

Execution of Mary, Queen of Scots, from "Illustrated London News", William Luson Thomas British, Wood engraving — Execution of Mary, Queen of Scots, from "Illustrated London News"
Multiple artists/makers
February 23, 1861

Grandfather's Portrait, from "Illustrated London News", William Luson Thomas British, Wood engraving — Grandfather's Portrait, from "Illustrated London News"
William Luson Thomas
William Henry Knight
January 4, 1862

Soldiers Playing at Cards, from "Illustrated London News", William Luson Thomas British, Wood engraving — Soldiers Playing at Cards, from "Illustrated London News"
Multiple artists/makers
May 4, 1861

Research Resources

The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.

To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.

Feedback

We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.