‘Beside the bed where parting life was laid…,’ illustration for Oliver Goldsmith’s The Deserted Village 

Edwin Austin Abbey created this illustration for Oliver Goldsmith’s poem ‘The Deserted Village’ in the late 19th century. The poem is a lament for the decline of rural England as a result of industrialization and urbanization and this image reflects that social commentary. Here, Abbey uses stark contrasts and a muted palette to highlight the tragedy of a family in mourning, reflecting the broader anxieties about social change during the period. The figure in the foreground appears to be a clergyman, perhaps offering solace, a visual signifier of the role of the church in times of crisis. The setting itself, a humble attic room, speaks to the economic hardships faced by many in rural communities. Abbey seems to emphasize the emotional and social costs of progress, rather than celebrating its supposed benefits. To fully appreciate Abbey's illustration, one might consider the historical context of late 19th-century England. Researching the social impact of industrialization, the role of the church, and the popularity of sentimental poetry can shed light on the artwork's deeper meanings.