
Read the visual description
This is a drawing titled "An Unkind Wish". It features two figures in a humorous style. One figure is on the left, wearing baggy clothing and a hat, while the other figure on the right is tall and thin, wearing a suit and top hat. The thin figure is holding a cane. Above them is a caption that reads, "May your Shadow never be less!" The drawing is signed by George Cruikshank. At the bottom, there are quick sketches of other figures engaged in various activities. The artwork uses simple lines with some watercolor washes.
National Gallery of Art · Drawing
An Unkind Wish
George Cruikshank
- Date
- c. 1833
- Medium
- pen and brown ink with watercolor on wove paper
- Dimensions
- sheet: 10.5 x 16.3 cm (4 1/8 x 6 7/16 in.)
- Classification
- Drawing
- Accession number
- 2009.70.100
- Credit line
- Joseph F. McCrindle Collection
- Time span
- 1826 to 1850
- Department
- CG-E
Subjects and terms
- Costume
- Man
- Figures
- Wall
- Writing
Provenance
Joseph F. McCrindle [1923-2008], New York; Joseph F. McCrindle Foundation, 2008; gift to NGA, 2009.
Inscription
by artist, upper center in pen and brown ink: "May your Shadow never be less"!; by artist, center in pen and brown ink: An Unkind wish.; signed by artist, lower center in pen and black ink: George Cruikshank (underlined)
NGA object ID 143794. Collection metadata is reproduced under CC0. This work is included because its NGA published-image record is marked open access; visitors should recheck the source record before substantial reuse.