Illustration to William Cowper's Poem "The Diverting History of John Gilpin": John Gilpin on His Horse Stampeding Back to London 1857

This pencil drawing by John Whetten Ehninger, dated 1857, is an illustration to William Cowper's humorous poem "The Diverting History of John Gilpin." The drawing depicts the moment when Gilpin, riding a runaway horse, is chased by a dog as he attempts to return to London. The artist's use of line creates a dynamic sense of movement and highlights the chaotic nature of the scene, capturing the essence of Cowper's poem. The illustration is part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection in New York City.