May
1883
Kate Greenaway was famous for capturing the innocent charm of Victorian childhood, often dressing her little subjects in Regency-style empire waist dresses like the ones seen here. This sweet illustration, titled 'May,' shows a woman and a child strolling beneath a blossoming tree, with the little one clutching a traditional May Day garland on a stick. Greenaway's delicate style was so popular that her almanacs and books were bestsellers, inspiring a whole fashion trend for children's clothing in the late 19th century.