The Phrenological Almanack

The Phrenological Almanck

Richard Doyle

Proof wood engraving by Swain

10 x 8 inches

Punch 16 (July-Dec 1849): unnumbered page.

This proof engraving, formerly in the collection of the artist and now in the possession of Simon Cooke, omits the text in the central panel. Swain’s engraving is of a high order, combining detail with more general effects. The Arctic background in the panel at the bottom of the page may allude to John Franklin’s expedition to find the North-West Passage, so fusing another contemporary event with the appearance of sea-monsters.

  • The Franklin Expedition: 1845-1859

    • Scanned image 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 person who scanned the image and (2) link your document to this URL in a web document or cite the Victorian Web in a print one.]