The End of All Men | Victorian Memento Mori Gravestone Drawing

Remarkable & macabre Victorian ink & pencil drawing with vivid imagery and a humorous verse. It’s got everything: A weeping willow, gravestones, a skull and crossbones, and jokes. The poem reads: “Reader, take warning ‘ere it is too late (Harry, put the cattle out and shut the gate.) That after Death (Mabel, you’ve got my slate) And all thy Deeds (Poetry- how I hate) I’ll write again when alone” Dating to around the 1870s, this miniature pencil and ink drawing likely came from a woman’s autograph album, consistent with the shape and green color of the paper. It’s common to find handwritten verses (both original and copied) and if you’re very lucky, there are drawings and paintings too. Usually they are just flowers or landscapes- there is so much personality in this tiny work! The tombstones read “The Last Home” and “The End of All Men.” I expected the poem to be a memorial and was so charmed to find it’s humorous instead. Presented as found in an antique gilded wood frame. Refer to photos for size and condition: Very good; wear to the frame.