Girl with Basket n.d.

Kate Greenaway made this pen and ink drawing called 'Girl with Basket' sometime in the late 19th century. Its small scale suggests it may have been preparatory work for an illustration, perhaps for a children's book, Greenaway was known for her charming depictions of childhood, often idealized scenes of innocence and play. The girl’s dress and bonnet evoke a bygone era, perhaps the late 18th or early 19th century. This historicizing was a common theme in the Victorian era, reflecting a nostalgia for a simpler, more picturesque past, even if it was a largely imagined one. The Art Institute, like many museums, houses collections that shape our understanding of art history. Understanding the context of Greenaway’s work requires exploring the publishing industry of the time, the market for children’s literature, and the Victorian fascination with childhood. By consulting historical sources, we can better appreciate the cultural values and social norms that shaped both the creation and reception of such images.