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

Engraver William Luson Thomas British
 After Henry Nelson O'Neil British, born Russia

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.

Eastward Ho! August 1857, from "Illustrated London News", William Luson Thomas (British, London 1830–1900 Chertsey, Surrey), Wood engraving

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