Description

I need not explain how these Shadows were suggested, to any one who has seen WILKIE’S picture, « The Rabbit on the Wall. » But by what pains they were invented can never be revealed; for it is known to my tortured digits alone, and they, luckily for me, are dumb. I calculate that I put my ten fingers through hundreds of various exercises before my « Bird » took wing; my left little finger thrills at the memory of « Grandpapa »; and my thumbs gave in no less than twenty times before « Boy » was accomplished. Yet now how easy it is to make the « Duck » to quack, the « Donkey » to bray, « Toby » to wag his tail, and the « Rabbit » to munch his unsubstantial meal. Of course the Shadows are not to be reproduced perfectly, on « one trial only »; but I believe that in each case I have drawn the due position of the fingers with such care, that the most difficult subject may be accomplished after a few minutes; nor need ingenious youth or parental fondness confine their endeavours to the sketches contained in this book. With a little ingenuity and some patience, new shadows may be produced; and not unfrequently figures appear that one never dreamed of attempting. Other Books of Shadows have been published; but it will be seen at a glance that mine bears affinity to none. Some of my sketches were made years ago, others when a student at the Academy. Indeed, the Shadows have often been displayed on the walls of my studio, much to the amusement of fellow-students, who would, I am sure, at any time bear witness to their originality. THE END