2-913-657 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

"The Launch" - painted by G. Smith, 1854. 'This spirited little affair represents an amusing episode in schoolboy life. Amongst a group of urchins playing with toy-boats, is one more adventurous than the rest, who is about starting upon a voyage of discovery in a washing-tub. One of his companions is engaged pushing off the frail bark with a long pole; and they all mightily enjoy the nervous alarm betrayed in the features of the young sailor, who evidently begins to have some misgivings as to the result of the day's proceedings. The surrounding landscape, and the figures introduced in the distance, are well conceived; and the whole is painted in a free and effective style. This picture was exhibited at the Royal Academy in the season 1853]. From "Illustrated London News", 1854.