News-boy (1898)
Technique: Giclée quality print
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More about this artwork
News-boy, a striking painting by William Nicholson from 1898, captures a poignant moment in the daily life of a young newspaper seller. This woodcut print is defined by its bold, expressive lines and a rich color palette dominated by deep browns, black, and a warm salmon pink, which highlights the newspapers the boy carries.The boy, central to the composition, shows a pensive expression, looking off to the side as if lost in thought or perhaps observing the hustle of his surroundings. The newspapers under his arm are prominently displayed, possibly indicating the weight of his responsibilities or the burden of early adulthood in a bustling urban environment.In the background, the silhouette of a horse-drawn carriage adds a layer of depth and movement, hinting at the busy life of the streets beyond the boy’s immediate environment. The carriage driver appears almost like a spectral figure, an everyday character in this urban tableau yet distant and removed from the boy’s personal struggle.This piece offers a narrative snapshot, inviting viewers to reflect on the themes of youth, work, and the social dimensions of urban life at the turn of the 20th century.