Leech, John. "Skating in Hyde-Park."

John Leech. "Skating in Hyde-Park." 

London: The Illustrated London News, February 14, 1857. 15 3/4 x 10 3/4. Wood engraving. Hand colored. Very good condition. 

John Leech (1817-1864) was a British caricaturist and illustrator. He holds the distinction of being the first illustrator of Charles Dickens's 1843 novella A Christmas Carol. During his carrier he produced illustrations for several papers, but was most famous for the caricatures he created for Punch, a humor magazine aimed at a broad middle-class audience. 

The Illustrated London News was the first illustrated newspaper, beginning in 1842, and it continued to be the most influential throughout its life.  It included genre subjects, portraits, views and many other fascinating images of nineteenth century America and Europe.  These are interesting, historical and very collectable prints.