1878 – Nightingale and Linnet

“Nightingale and Linnet – by Harrison Weir” is a full page book plate image, taken from the “Chatterbox Album of Animals”, published by W.W.Gardner, circa 1878. The short anecdote accompanying the illustration, reads as follows: “The Linnet and the Nightingale once had a singing-match. The Blackbird, Robin, Thrush  and Lark were umpires. The Thrush and Blackbird declared in favour of the Nightingale, but the Lark and Robin were the friends of the Linnet, and did not wish him to lose. A whole crowd of birds joined in with chirp and chatter. All the birds of any taste took the Nightingale’s part, but some still sided with the Linnet. At last the Jackdaw said, ‘ I say that the Linnet won the day.’ Instantly all the judges decided for the Nightingale. This story teaches us that the approval of foolish people harms us more than their blame.”

Prints currently available in A4, A3 and A2 sizing options.