Uncle Toby and the Fly (from Laurence Sterne's "Tristram Shandy") 1847

Felix Octavius Carr Darley made this pencil and wash drawing on paper, illustrating a scene from Laurence Sterne's novel "Tristram Shandy." Darley, a 19th-century American artist, was celebrated for his illustrations, which often depicted scenes from popular literature. Here, he captures a moment of gentle humanity, a characteristic feature of Sterne's writing. This choice reflects a growing interest in sentimentalism and the individual's moral compass during the 1800's. The drawing embodies 19th-century America's fascination with European literary traditions and its attempt to cultivate a refined cultural identity. The prevalence of book illustrations at the time also speaks to the rise of print culture and a growing reading public, eager to engage with stories that explored human emotions and moral dilemmas. Understanding this artwork requires delving into the literary and cultural context of both Sterne's novel and Darley's America. Scholarly articles on the history of book illustration and the reception of Sterne's work can help us interpret the drawing's cultural significance and artistic merit.