This proof-wood engraving by the Dalziel Brothers is an illustration to page 91 of the famous children’s book Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (1865). It shows the meeting between Alice and the Cheshire Cat. The author, Charles Dodgson, who used the pen-name Lewis Carroll, originally provided his own illustrations to the books, but while the type was being set, he was persuaded to employ a more competent draughtsman.

John Tenniel was chosen for the task. Tenniel was already one of Britain’s most famous illustrators, having been a satirical cartoonist for Punch magazine aince 1850. He had also received high praise for his illustrations to Thomas Moore’s Lalla Rookh (1861). Dodgson provided such specific instructions for Tenniel tyat tyeir working relatioship became strained. The resulting illustrations, however, proved to be an enormous success.



From England, AD 1865.
Ht. 13,6 cm.