A Colored Engraving of Jenny and Auld Robin Gray

19th century

A COLORED ENGRAVING OF JENNY AND AULD ROBIN GRAY (English, 19th century) from a painting by Sam Shelley and engraving by J. Ryder. The engraving depicts a young woman seated next to a frail old man, and also includes verse from the Scottish ballad of Auld Robin Gray 1785. Written below is "Jenny and Auld Robin Gray./The summer it was smiling all nature round was gay/ When Jenny was attending on auld Robin Gray/For he was sick at heart and had na friend beside/But only me poor Jenny who newly was his bride/Ah Jenny I shall die he cry’d as sure as I have birth/Then see my poor auld bones I pray laid into the earth." Below this is inscribed "To Mrs. Brereton, this plate is inscribed by her much obliged and obedient servant. Sam Shelley." It is housed in a giltwood frame.

English

ink on paper

13 3/4" x 11 1/4"

Gift of Mrs. Alletta Morris McBean.

PSNC.3758