[The Australian Panther]

The illo of parents and children sleeping in the same room was likely common for a certain level of society which the artist was familiar with. Artists depicting reality can unconsciously make social comment!
The cottage I currently occupy had two bedrooms, one for the parents and one for the 10 children.That was less than 100 years ago!
An original of this would be worth a fortune I think.
This was done the hard way.
"Original cuts designed and engraved"
obviously a work of love by the artist.
Fascinating to see a 'pre Coca-cola Santa!
'This is how Coca - Cola 'invented' Santa Claus'
https://www.chron.com/business/article/This-is-how-Coca-Cola-invented-Santa-Claus-16727869.php
Coca-Cola is quite proud of this, and I suppose, why wouldn't they be?
Hope I haven't spoiled Christmas for you!
And no, I don't enjoy pulling the wings off flies!
Thanks Lyons!
cheers!

Link to the book: Visit from St. Nicholas

[crashryan]

The illo of parents and children sleeping in the same room was likely common for a certain level of society which the artist was familiar with.

An interesting point. Most of the "Night Before Christmas" illustrations I remember set the action in a middle-class or upper-middle-class home toward the end of the 19th century...1880s or 1890s. One of the favorite periods of American nostalgia. Homes were larger, with separate bedrooms and (presumably) some sort of heating. Things had changed a lot since 1848 when this edition came out.