Songs of Experience: The Little Vagabond 1794 - 1825

"The Little Vagabond" is one of William Blake's illuminated prints from his collection *Songs of Experience*, a companion piece to *Songs of Innocence*, which was published in 1789. This particular illustration depicts a mother cradling her child, a stark reminder of the harsh realities of poverty that were faced by many during this time. The work is characterized by its vivid colors, a signature of Blake's artistic style. The use of watercolor and pen and ink lends a sense of depth and emotion to the piece, emphasizing the vulnerability of both the mother and the child. "The Little Vagabond" is housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.