Polly Put the Kettle On To Make a Cup of Tea
Date1896
Artist
George Wharton Edwards
(American painter, illustrator, and engraver, 1859–1950)
Illustration CitationDate and place of publication not identified
MediumInk and gouache on board
Dimensionscomposition: 18 1/4 × 15 in. (46.4 × 38.1 cm)
sheet: 24 1/4 × 19 3/4 in. (61.6 × 50.2 cm)
sheet: 24 1/4 × 19 3/4 in. (61.6 × 50.2 cm)
Credit LineAcquisition F0und, 2018
Object number2018-31
On View
Not on viewClassificationsDRAWING
Label TextGeorge Wharton Edwards probably designed this illustration of a nursery rhyme for a children's book or magazine. The decorative borders of the scene and of the mirror are reminiscent of the artist's poster and bookplate work, which was influenced by the graceful lines of Art Nouveau. A Connecticut native, Edwards was a painter, illustrator, writer, and lithographic artist. After his studies in Antwerp and Paris, he gained international recognition for his paintings in an Impressionist style, especially marine scenes. He was art director of Collier's from 1896 to 1903. His mural celebrating Henry Hudson resides at the US Military Academy at West Point. He also designed posters for advertisements and for the first and Second World War efforts.
