Good Friday Cross Buns

DESCRIPTION: This image shows a scene from 19th-century London depicting a baker selling hot cross buns on Good Friday. Historic Print: The image is a wood engraving titled "Good Friday Cross Buns" from the Illustrated London News, originally published on April 19, 1851.  Context: It illustrates the tradition of selling spiced buns marked with a cross during Lent and particularly on Good Friday.  Details: The scene features a baker named A. Twist (probably a pun on Dickens’ Oliver Twist and his plea for “more” food) , identifiable by the text on his delivery cart, distributing buns from a basket to local families.  Cultural Significance: These buns were historically viewed as festive items that also held superstitious value, with the cross intended to ward off evil spirits.  STYLE: Engraving COLOUR: Monochrome SIZE (cm): 23.5 x 17.25 CREATORS: B Foster PUBLICATION: ILN 1851 PUBLISHER: DATE: 1851 COMMENTS: Excellent condition SUBJECT: Newsprint PACKAGE: Single one-sided sheet in acid-free mount, flat & unfolded inside hard-backed envelope. Royal Mail Tracked 24 included. Note: Images are provided for illustration purposes only and are intended to show the complete printed product, including any imperfections of age that may be present. Frames or props shown in the images are for display purposes only and are not included with your purchase.