Jessie Willcox Smith: Boy Gazing at Moon (1916) The Water-Babies Print

Invite the quiet wonder of a moonlit night into your home. This museum-quality Giclée reproduction features Jessie Willcox Smith’s Boy Gazing at Moon, a stunning pinnacle of 20th-century American illustration.

In 1916, Jessie Willcox Smith reached a creative peak with her illustrations for Charles Kingsley’s The Water-Babies. This piece, depicting the protagonist Tom staring up at a 'broad yellow moon,' perfectly exemplifies the Golden Age of Illustration. Smith used a complex mix of charcoal, watercolor, and oil to create a deep, atmospheric nocturnal scene that feels both intimate and vast. Unlike the more playful scenes of the era, this work captures a rare, soulful moment of connection between a child and the cosmos, rendered with the soft, fluid lines and tender realism that made Smith a household name in publications like Good Housekeeping.

Original 1900s watercolors are sensitive to light and fade over time. Our archival Giclée print is digitally mastered to preserve the velvety charcoal textures and the rich, saturated yellows of the moon. Printed on heavyweight 100% cotton rag paper, it ensures the enchanting shadows and serene light remain a cherished focal point in your space.

A sophisticated Statement Piece for a nursery, a reading nook, or a gallery wall dedicated to classic literature. This Jessie Willcox Smith Print is an exceptional gift for librarians, vintage art lovers, and new parents.

Related collections

• Moon vintage prints