Bob, King of the Fortune Isle 1928

Jessie Willcox Smith, a prominent illustrator during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, painted "Bob, King of the Fortune Isle" in an era where childhood was increasingly viewed as a distinct and precious stage of life. The illustration presents a narrative that seems innocent, but resonates with a longing for adventure. A blond haired boy is pictured on a rock overlooking the ocean. He is playing with a monkey while a turtle with a leash crawls up the rock towards him. Smith was known for her idyllic, sentimental images of children, and in this piece she seems to capture a child's capacity for imagination. The artist uses her trademark style to portray a self-possessed young boy who envisions himself the King of his own island. The depiction of the monkey and turtle as loyal subjects hints at the complicated power dynamics inherent in human relationships with the natural world. It invites us to reflect on the roles we play and the worlds we create for ourselves.