#d. maclise

[now-winter-comes-slowly]

The Wren boys at Cork Hall, 1843, by D. Maclise. Traditionally in Ireland, Wren Day would take place on St. Stephen’s Day, 26th December. A wren would be hunted, paraded round the town on a decorated pole, and followed by mummers (specifically, strawboys, who you can see here) who would collect money from the townspeople. To this day a cruelty-free version of the tradition persists. 

[mysterious-secret-garden]

A faun surrounded by fairies. Engraving by F. Bacon, 1840, after D. Maclise.