Longfellow Christmas Scene, 1862
Item 28945 info
NPS, Longfellow House-Washington's Headquarters National Historic Site
As a father, Henry spent considerable time drawing as a way to amuse and educate his children.
His drawings and cartoons reveal a lesser-known whimsical side to his personality. He encouraged drawing as a worthy accomplishment for his own five children.
A gifted artist herself, Fanny Appleton Longfellow often noted her children’s artist endeavors.
For example, one evening Edith rushed into the study like “a sunbeam for pencil + paper to draw wonderful faces.”
Family Christmas activities inspired this drawing by Edith, age nine.
Item 6 of 25
