Illustration for 'Ingoldsby Legends' c. 19th century

John Leech, a renowned English illustrator, created this whimsical illustration for 'Ingoldsby Legends' in the 19th century. The scene depicts a woman pulling a bucket from a well, revealing a man's head trapped inside. This humorous and slightly macabre illustration is characteristic of Leech's style, which often incorporated satirical elements and social commentary. The watercolor and pencil work showcase Leech's talent for capturing both the everyday and the fantastical in his drawings. 'Ingoldsby Legends' was a collection of humorous poems and stories by Richard Harris Barham, which provided Leech with ample opportunity to create captivating illustrations for his contemporaries.