So many of the pictures we see of Victorian children show them in static positions. I wanted to find some images that showed them active. I therefore like the above picture mostly because I love the smile on the face of the little girl on the right. She is having a wonderful time and is looking right at us. I also like the feeling of motion, the fancy hats and dresses and the legs caught in a moment of movement.
What I like about the above image is the carefully constructed marble ring. The boys are ready for action. The boy in the back is holding his shooter just as I (and a million other children since) have. It's a game waiting to happen.
I really like the activity of the playground and the conspicuous defiance of the girl in the front, staring down the person behind the camera and ultimately us.
Yes, its a little staged but the girl on the right is loving her doll and that great doll house. Note the stool so they can climb up to the table.
Damn – a whole book of pictures like this wouldn’t be excessive.