3-003-717 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

"Want of Confidence", by G. H. Thomas, from the exhibition of the Royal Academy, 1861. Engraving from a painting. 'Mr. Thomas idealises a very pretty notion of the mixed curiosity and bashfulness of child life in this little picture. A little boy has been induced by his elder sister to gather some wild flowers and choice herbs to feed the old horse in the neighbouring field, but when he comes to the act of presenting them his courage almost fails him - he wants confidence to place them in the gaping mouth of the harmless animal who stretches forward to receive them. The sister, by placing her hand on the faithful creature's head, would indicate that there is no ground for alarm, but the little urchin is still deterred by a "want of confidence." The grouping and execution of this little affair are very pleasing'. (In the western world, small boys wore gowns or dresses until they were 'breeched', dressed in breeches or trousers). From "Illustrated London News", 1861.