The Pick of the Litter engraving. The Graphic c1886

by Stanley Berkeley

Young girl, puppies and kittens. Charming antique print!

Original wood engraving after Stanley Berkeley for The Graphic periodical published in London in April 1886 (with delicate later hand-colour). Stanley Berkeley (1855-1909) exhibited a the Royal Academy between 1881 and 1902. He was a versatile English painter, etcher and engraver, who appears to have signed some of his illustration work as Berkley.

The Graphic was an illustrated weekly newspaper that began production towards the end of 1869, and became the main competitor in London to the long-running The Illustrated London News. Its founder, William Luson Thomas (1830-1900) had been a draughtsman and engraver with his brother George at The Illustrated London News, until a dispute with management after George died. Many talented artists and engravers were employed for The Graphics fine illustrations which were some of the best of any newspaper at the time.

Page size is 405 x 280mm (16 x 11 inches). To the image border measures 285 x 225mm (11 1/4 x 9 inches).