The Dame's Absence, from "Illustrated London News" 1857

"The Dame's Absence" is a wood engraving by Harvey Orrin Smith, dating back to 1857. The image portrays a group of children gathered in a cottage, their attention captivated by a young girl who stands at the open doorway, seemingly about to leave. The scene, full of life and movement, is typical of Victorian genre painting, capturing a moment of domesticity and childhood innocence. The use of light and shadow, and the detailed depiction of the children’s expressions, contribute to the artwork's narrative depth. This engraving, originally published in the "Illustrated London News", is currently held in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City.