Though the pictures of Mr. Anker are not limited to such subjects as this, it is quite evident that young children are his specialty; as examples his “Toy-Rattle,” “Reading-Lesson,” and “Little Architect”.  Certainly he makes the nursery his studio, and doubtless is a favorite with the youngsters, winning his way to their affections by presents of toys, and then turning the children’s use of them to good pictorial account.  Seated in his old-fashioned arm-chair, carefully barricaded and tied in for fear of mishaps, this child, of the true German type, has come into possession of a new plaything:  its novelty is evidenced by the fact that an old horse, or donkey, or some animal of the kind, has been discarded for the time, at least, and lies heels uppermost in its owner’s lap.  With cheeks swelled out to their largest measurement, as if the little musician were training itself to play an ophicleide in some itinerant band of brass instrumentalists, it is blowing away most vigorously, to its own satisfaction unquestionably, whatever it may be to those who are within hearing of music which no one would presume to call melodious.   All that is needful to say of the picture is that it is perfectly natural, and that it is very carefully painted throughout.

STEEL ENGRAVING – “THE LITTLE MUSICIAN” from the painting by A. Anker, engraved by A. & E. Varin, published in 1875.  This engraving is in very good condition.  It measures 7” x 5 1/8” and is matted to 11” x 14” for easy framing.