Against this he laid his ear, and then he heard the voice quite distinctly 1919

"Against this he laid his ear, and then he heard the voice quite distinctly" is a 1919 illustration by American artist Jessie Willcox Smith. The image depicts a young boy in a nightgown, kneeling on his bed and listening intently. The soft light from a window above him illuminates his face. The composition evokes a sense of wonder and mystery, creating a captivating scene that captures the imagination. Smith's use of muted tones and delicate brushstrokes creates a sense of intimacy and gentleness, characteristic of her illustrative style.