The Sleeping Genie and the Lady.
FROM "DALZIEL'S ARABIAN NIGHTS."
By Sir John Tenniel.
By permission of Messrs. Ward, Lock & Co.
Messrs. Bradbury and Evans had at one time the idea of publishing an "Illustrated Shakespeare," and Tenniel was to do all the drawings, but beyond two very characteristic subjects which we engraved the project was abandoned. Doubtless he found the undertaking more than he could carry out when added to his weekly work for Punch and his other engagements.
No matter what other work he had in hand, he always contributed his weekly cartoon to Punch. The moral teaching of these drawings is beyond measure. Whether it be in caustic satire or exquisite pathos, he held the town for over fifty years, proving himself to be not only a great artist, but one who will rank amongst the highest of Britain's worthies.
Sir John Tenniel was never very effusive in his observations, though his remarks were invariably complimentary. The following are two of his letters received on submitting proofs for his correction:
"3 Portsdown Road,
"Tuesday.
"Dear Sirs,—The 'Falcon' proofs are everything I could wish. The third proof requires just a touch.