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The smith threatening Leonard Holt because he will not obey the Lord Mayor s
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The smith threatening Leonard Holt because he will not obey the Lord Mayor s
The smith threatening Leonard Holt because he will not obey the Lord Mayors instructions that all dogs must be killed to prevent the spread of the Plague, and protects Bell the dog of Mike Macascree the blind piper. The Plague of London (1665). Illustration by John Franklin (active 1800-1861) for William Harrison Ainsworth Old Saint Paul s, London 1855 (first published 1841). Engraving
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Media ID 9789141
© Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group
1665 1800 1861 1841 1855 Active Ainsworth Bell Blind Dogs Franklin Harrison Instructions John Killed Leonard Literature Lord Mayor Obey Paul Plague Prevent Published Saint Smith Spread Threatening William Holt Mike Piper Protects
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EDITORS COMMENTS
In this engraving by John Franklin, we are transported back to the grim days of the Plague in London during 1665. The image depicts a tense confrontation between two men: the smith and Leonard Holt. The reason for their dispute lies in the Lord Mayor's decree that all dogs must be killed to halt the spread of this deadly disease. Leonard Holt, however, refuses to obey these instructions as he valiantly protects Bell, a loyal dog belonging to Mike Macascree, a blind piper. In this chaotic time of despair and death, Holt's act serves as a beacon of compassion amidst the darkness. Franklin's illustration skillfully captures the intensity of this moment. We can feel the palpable threat emanating from the smith as he looms over Holt with menacing intent. The details in their expressions convey raw emotions - fear, defiance, desperation - reflecting both their individual struggles and society's turmoil. This powerful scene is taken from William Harrison Ainsworth's novel "Old Saint Paul’s" published in 1841 but brought to life through Franklin's artistry in 1855. Through his masterful engraving technique, Franklin breathes life into Ainsworth’s words and transports us back to an era plagued by disease and uncertainty. As we gaze upon this print today, it serves as a poignant reminder not only of our shared history but also of humanity’s resilience even in times of adversity.
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