How the Three Princesses were lost Henry Justice Ford (1860-1941)

The drawing presents a scene of hurried departure and potential peril. Three figures, clearly identifiable as women by their elaborate hairstyles and regal attire – suggesting princesses – are depicted in motion, fleeing from something unseen. Their postures convey urgency; arms are raised, bodies lean forward, and feet appear to be mid-stride. The artist has rendered them with a flowing quality, emphasizing the sense of rapid movement.
The setting is an overgrown woodland area, indicated by dense foliage visible through the gaps in the composition. A rudimentary wooden fence forms a barrier on the right side of the frame, which the princesses are actively crossing. Above the fence, a swirling cloud of smoke or mist obscures the background, adding to the atmosphere of mystery and potential danger. The source of this emission is unclear, but it contributes significantly to the overall feeling of unease.
The drawing’s style employs fine lines and intricate detailing characteristic of illustrative work from the late 19th or early 20th century. Theres a deliberate lack of shading; the image relies entirely on line weight and density to create form and depth. This stylistic choice contributes to a sense of heightened drama, as if the scene is unfolding in a dreamlike state.
Subtextually, the drawing hints at themes of loss and escape. The title inscribed at the bottom – How the Three Princesses were Lost – immediately establishes this narrative context. The princesses flight suggests they are escaping from an unknown threat or circumstance that has led to their displacement. The fence acts as a symbolic boundary, representing perhaps a transition between safety and danger, or a point of no return. The swirling smoke could represent confusion, obfuscation, or even the active pursuit of those who have been lost.
The composition’s focus on movement and the obscured background invite speculation about what lies beyond the frame – what prompted their flight and where they are headed. The drawings strength resides in its ability to evoke a sense of narrative tension without explicitly revealing all the details, leaving room for interpretation and imaginative engagement with the story it illustrates.