Cover of “Punch”

Richard Doyle, artist

Joseph Swain, engraver

1844

Wood-engraving; paper binding

11½ x 8 ¾ inches

This is Richard Doyle’s first version of a cover that developed into his more famous design of 1849. Drawn when he was just 20 years of age, and at a time when he was far from proficient in drawing on wood, Doyle’s image prefigures his later, more accomplished style.

[Click on image to enlarge it.]

Details

  • Punch himself, pen in hand
  • Top of page
  • Right side
  • Parody of a classical frieze at bottom
  • Bottom left
  • Copies of the magazine
  • Doyle and the front cover of Punch

    • Image scan and text by Simon Cooke

    [You may use this image without prior permission for any scholarly or educational purpose as long as you (1) credit the photographer and (2) link to this URL in a web document or cite it in a print one.]