Background:

These prints are from Gems of the Poets, representative of the anthologies of poetry accompanied by pastoral illustrations published in the 1800s.  The volume was conceived and compiled by Alexander Lydon (1836-1917), who also did the original illustrations and engravings.  The printing was by Benjamin Fawcett.  This type of artwork is a departure for Lydon who focused many of his artistic efforts on natural history subjects.  The prints shown below are identified by the poem, which they accompanied, and poet.