MILKMAIDS’ MAY DAY IN THE OLDEN TIME 1872 James Dromgole Linton ENGRAVING

Original 11 3/4 inch x 8 7/8 inch Engraving titled MILKMAIDS’ MAY DAY IN THE OLDEN TIME.

One of the ancient customs observed on May Day that persisted until the early 19th century was the 'Milkmaid's Garland.' The milkmaids would dress in their best clothes and dance in the streets for their customers. A donation from the customers and from passers-by was expected.

Illustration by James Dromgole Linton (1840 - 1916). an English painter in oil and watercolour and a lithographer. He was knighted in 1885.
Linton was educated at Leigh's School of Art. At the beginning of his career he was an illustrator and lithographer for The Graphic. He was elected an associate in 1867 and a member in 1870 of the Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours. He was president of the Royal Institute from 1884 to 1899 and then from 1909 until his death. In 1897 he won the Jubilee Medal.

From The Graphic May 4th, 1872
The Graphic was a British weekly illustrated newspaper, first published on 4 December 1869 by William Luson Thomas's company Illustrated Newspapers Limited. It continued to be published weekly under this title until 23 April 1932 and then changed title to The National Graphic between 28 April and 14 July 1932; it then ceased publication, after 3,266 issues.

Page size 15 1/2 inch x 11 1/2 inch

The engraving is in very good condition. Printed text on the reverse.