The Old Man and His Sons c. 1811 - 1823

"The Old Man and His Sons" is a wood engraving by Thomas Bewick, created between 1811 and 1823. The scene depicts an elderly man seated and observing his four sons, who are engaged in a tug-of-war with sticks. The composition, set within an oval frame, is a hallmark of Bewick's intricate and detailed style. This engraving, like many of Bewick's works, showcases his mastery of the woodcut technique, resulting in a striking contrast of light and dark. The use of delicate lines and fine shading adds depth and realism to the figures and the surrounding landscape.