The Farmer’s Treasure 1908

Walter Crane's 1908 illustration "The Farmer's Treasure" depicts a scene where a farmer, on his deathbed, instructs his sons to dig deep in his field. The text surrounding the figures reads “Dig deeply, my Sons! Through this field! There's a Treasure - he died: unrevealed The spot where twas laid, They dug as he bade; And the Treasure was found in the yield." This image, with its simple yet effective use of line and colour, exemplifies Crane's mastery of the Arts and Crafts style and his ability to convey moralistic messages. The use of a didactic caption reinforces the work's intended audience of children, and the scene emphasizes the value of hard work and its rewards.