Free vintage illustration of a snowy day in the countryside (Victorian era)

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Today I picked a wintry image that depicts a young lad delivering a pheasant and rabbit to a kitchen maid. Everything about this image - the bare trees, snow-covered arbor, shaggy horse - says brrr! This illustration was done by W.E. Marshall, so it likely dates from the 1860s or 1870s. I haven't been able to turn up much about Marshall except that he is known for his engravings of Presidents Lincoln, Washington, and Grant.

Free vintage illustration of a woman's portrait head

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The illustration above was originally captioned "Animal Magnetism" (whaaaaat?) and purports to show the model in a "field" of "animal magnetic attraction." Okay, whatever, you crazy old 19th century you. 

I see this image turning into the base of a gorgeous necklace pendant, don't you?  

Free vintage illustration of two lovers reading

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This beautiful Victorian-era illustration of a couple reading could be the start of a Valentine's Day-themed craft. Based on the signature in the bottom right corner, I strongly suspect that the illustrator is Joseph Swain.

Free vintage illustration of a young married couple reading by candlelight

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In this Victorian-era illustration, a young married couple reads by candlelight while a traveler passes outside their window. I haven't yet been able to locate the source information, but I would guess that this is an illustration from a novel.

Free vintage Illustration of Lady Bradshaigh

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For my first free illustration, I've chosen an engraving of Lady Bradshaigh (1705-1785). Isn't she lovely? Lady Bradshaigh, born Dorothy Bellingham, is famous for being the pen-pal and confidante of Samuel Richardson, the author of the first English bestseller, Pamela, or Virtue Rewarded. Lady Bradshaigh lived a remarkable life, which you can read more about here: Ingilby History Page. The illustration comes from the introduction to the Complete Novels of Samuel Richardson, Volume 1, published in 1902. According to notes from the book, it was "engraved by Caroline Watson from an original portrait (1804)."