Illustration to William Cowper's Poem "The Diverting History of John Gilpin": John Gilpin on His Horse Stampeding Back to London 1857

John Whetten Ehninger created this illustration for William Cowper's poem using graphite on paper. Dominated by dynamic, diagonal lines, the frenzied scene is palpable. The barely-there quality of the graphite enhances the sense of motion. Consider how Ehninger uses line to convey not just form but also energy. The frantic posture of Gilpin, clinging desperately to his horse, contrasts sharply with the implied stability of the world around him, underscored by the flat plane. The scene suggests a world where traditional hierarchies are upended, where chaos and the absurd reign. Note the way the composition draws your eye from the lower right, up along the dog, and then to the horse and rider, directing you into the heart of the turmoil. This isn't merely an illustration; it is a visualization of instability. Through the use of line, Ehninger captures a moment of disorder, reflecting a broader cultural interest in questioning established norms.