Mother Shipton (recto); Sheet of Sketches: Fleur-de-Lis and Figures (verso) 1864 - 1878

This drawing by renowned British artist George Cruikshank is a sheet of sketches featuring "Mother Shipton" on the front and "Fleur-de-Lis and Figures" on the back. Mother Shipton, a well-known figure in English folklore, is depicted in the central sketch as a woman dressed in a red cloak, holding a stick and standing in a seated position. The artist's signature appears below the figure. This work, dating from between 1864 and 1878, showcases Cruikshank's masterful use of light and shadow in capturing the essence of these figures. The work, housed in the Art Institute of Chicago, reflects the artist's interest in exploring both historical figures and fictional characters through his sketches.