3-008-849 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The International Exhibition: "The Whisper", by J. Sant, 1862. Engraving of a painting which '...arrests the eye...by the force and depth of its effect and the richness of its colour. The flesh-tints, or, as artists term them, the "carnations"; the deep red mantle; the diverse hues, or, as they are popularly called, "shades", of brown hair; the vine-leaves; the sombre, warm green background; the poppy and other flowers &c., form a very pleasing combination of colour. The handling...is broad and free. The attitudes and expressions of the little maidens are very natural, and, with the title, suggestive; but as these - we trust we may be permitted to say - have been faithfully preserved by our draughtsmen and engraver, we will leave the reader to speculate upon whom these pretty little ladies have apparently caught sight of or expect, and the nature of the seemingly mischievous and naughty confidence "whispered" in what is, probably, their place of concealment'. From "Illustrated London News", 1862.