"Squirrel" by Harrison Weir (1824-1906) (original) (raw)

Squirrel

Artist: Harrison Weir (1824-1906)

Engraver: J. Knight

1862

Wood-engraving

13 ½ x 9 ½ inches

Illustration for the front cover of the Band of Hope Review [introduction].

The squirrel is both a representation of a real creature and an emblematic sign or type – here symbolising the virtues of frugality and careful planning. This anthropomorphic imagery is typical of the Band of Hope, and was used to communicate the periodical’s moral messages in a visual language children would understand. One can imagine how a diligent parent might construct a night-time story about the squirrel’s virtues and their application to everyday life. The squirrel’s story is taken up and expanded on the first page.

• Detail (signature and fur)

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