148 JOHN BEWICK. 



is very probable that a number in the work were done by this inferior 

 engraver. 



In 1 79 1 a most attractive book was published, setting forth the life 

 of man in all ages and pursuits. This — the " Progress of Man and Society" 

 — contains a large number of blocks by John, executed with much felicity ; 

 they commence with representations of man in an infant state, then go on with 

 the amusements and occupations of boys, girls, and men : with man as he 

 is in a state of nature, and civilised, the whole forming one complete story. 



The " Looking Glass for the Mind," the first edition of which was pub- 

 lished in 1792, contained blocks "designed and engraved on wood by John 



Bewick," to the number of seventy- 

 four. The letterpress is chiefly 

 translated from the French work, 

 "L'Ami des Enfans," by M. Ber- 

 quin. The difference in style 

 between the engraved work of John 

 and Thomas Bewick is at once ap- 

 parent in these woodcuts. This lies 

 principally in the manner of using 

 the graver, the inattention to the 

 advantages to be obtained in care- 

 fully drawn backgrounds, and the 

 more pronounced use of the full 

 dark and pure light, which by Thomas would have been much more softened 

 and refined. The difference, however, is in style only, for the merit displayed 

 in the prints is unmistakable; in one sense they surpass the cuts of Thomas, 

 the figures being well drawn, and the faces piquant and beautiful. This 

 was a kind of work the elder never was thoroughly good at, and few 

 of the human figures engraved by him can bear comparison with the little 

 children produced by John. 



Mrs. Lenox and her children Leonora and Adolphus. 

 "The Looking Glass for the Mind." From the 

 original block engraved by John Bewick. Lent by 

 Messrs. Griffith and Farran. 



