“This wood engraving by William Hook transports us to a scene from Virgil's pastorals, capturing a moment of youthful teasing with delicate detail. It's a small window into classical literature, interpreted through 19th-century artistry.”
This small wood engraving, "Colinet Mocked by Two Boys," offers a glimpse into the pastoral world of Virgil, interpreted by William Hook. While we don't have a specific year for this piece, Hook, active in the 19th century, was part of a tradition that found inspiration in classical literature. His other known works, like the illustrations for "Songs of Shakespeare" (1843), suggest an artist engaged with literary themes, often translating them into visual narratives. Here, he captures a moment of human interaction, a common thread in his work, even if his broader output at the Art Institute of Chicago includes diverse items like "Garment Hook" and "Large Hook for a Kettle," which are not attributed to this artist. This particular print, with its intimate scale and detailed execution, encourages a close look, inviting viewers to consider the emotions playing out in this ancient scene.
- Date
- 1821
- Medium
- Wood engraving on off-white wove paper
- Location
- Art Institute of Chicago
- Dimensions
- Image/block: 3.5 × 7.7 cm (1 7/16 × 3 1/16 in.); Sheet: 3.8 × 8 cm (1 1/2 × 3 3/16 in.)
- Collection
- Prints and Drawings
- Culture
- England
- Credit line
- William McCallin McKee Memorial Endowment
What to Notice
Four details hide in plain sight. Here’s where to look.
The expressions on the boys' faces
Colinet's posture and reaction
The delicate lines of the wood engraving
The simplicity of the background setting
Stand in front of it and listen
The full narration walks you through Colinet Mocked by Two Boys, from The Pastorals of Virgil — the story behind it, the details most visitors miss, and why it matters. Free in the Art Whisper app.