‘Now you lead me,’ he said, taking her hand, ‘and i’ll take care of you’ 1919

‘Now you lead me,’ he said, taking her hand, ‘and i’ll take care of you’ is an illustration by Jessie Willcox Smith, created in 1919. The artwork depicts a young boy and girl walking through a cobblestone street in an English town. The boy, dressed in a blue coat and trousers, holds the girl’s hand. The girl, with her hair blowing in the wind, holds a broom. Smith’s signature illustrative style, characterized by delicate lines and warm colors, is evident in the artwork. This depiction of a young boy and girl together reflects Smith's focus on children as the subject matter in her art.