Home > Animals > Mammals > Muridae > Water Mouse
Water Babies / Tom / Sweep
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Water Babies / Tom / Sweep
Tom, the ragged chimney sweep at the cottage of the Irish woman
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 4320822
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10127473
1863 Babies Chimney Cottage Dirty Kingsley Ragged Sweep
EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative image captures the moment of respite and tenderness between Tom, the ragged chimney sweep (played by Charles Hawtrey), and the Irish woman (Eliza O'Connor) from the classic children's novel "The Water-Babies, A Fairy Tale for a Land Baby" by Charles Kingsley, published in 1863. The scene takes place at the woman's humble cottage, where Tom, covered in grime from head to toe, is momentarily forgotten as he cradles a baby in his arms, surrounded by the warmth and beauty of the woman's home. The water babies, mischievous creatures who inhabit the river in the story, are believed to have brought Tom to the woman's cottage after he had been punished for disobeying his cruel master. The woman, with her kind heart and gentle touch, nurses Tom back to health and teaches him the value of compassion and love. This photograph, taken in the late 19th century, is a testament to the enduring power of literature to transport us to another world and remind us of the importance of human connection. The image is filled with contrasts – the dirt and grime of Tom's chimney-sweep life versus the cleanliness and warmth of the cottage, the harsh reality of poverty versus the softness of the woman's touch, and the harshness of the industrial world versus the beauty of nature. The flowers in the foreground add a touch of color and life to the otherwise drab and monochromatic scene, while the books on the table suggest the importance of education and knowledge in uplifting the human spirit. This photograph is a poignant reminder of the power of literature to transport us to another world and remind us of the beauty and tenderness that can be found even in the most unlikely of places.
MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.