3-028-615 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

"Jack in the Box," by H. H. Couldery, 1870. Engraving of a painting. 'The fluffy texture of the coats of the little Skye puppies is very descriptively rendered...But the chief merit of the picture resides in the close observation evinced in the physiognomical character and gestures, so to speak, of those mischievous little creatures. The artist has not only made himself acquainted with the droll ways common to puppies in general, but he has mastered the quaint and almost human expression which so peculiarly distinguish this particular breed. The playful movements of the young of all animals are full of grace or fun...A wardrobe door has been incautiously left open, and the result is before us. Master "Jack" and his partner in mischief have rolled out and broken through a bandbox, and therefrom extracted a bonnet, the veil of which the latter is proceeding to tear; while Jack himself, feeling master of the situation, is content to plant his paws outside the box, and, with head slightly awry and twinkling eyes, to survey the wreck with a comical expression of triumph. A no less happily conceived touch is that of the peering kitten in the background, who, longing to share in the sport, is yet fearful of joining those rougher playmates'. From "Illustrated London News, 1870.