"Goodnight Mr. Sherlock Holmes"

"Goodnight Mr. Sherlock Holmes"

Illustration from "A Scandal in Bohemia"

This illustration serves as another of the ten drawings supplied by artist Sidney Paget for the original publication of "A Scandal in Bohemia" in the July 1891 issue of The Strand Magazine. This pencil drawing closes out the second of the short story's three sections, and depicts the interaction between Sherlock Holmes and a disguised Irene Adler outside of his 221B Baker Street residence. In this scene from the story, Adler has followed Holmes home in disguised after his attempt to locate the cabinet photograph of Adler and the King within Adler's home, which he deceptively gained access to. This scene, and its accompanying image, highlight the cunning and adventurousness of Adler's character, through both her decision to follow and confront Holmes, as well as her effective utilization of disguise and deception. Her immediate recognition of Holme's person following their encounter in her home is an indication of her wits, and her ability to disguise herself so well that the great Sherlock Holmes could not identify her - despite their immediately preceding interactions - point to her capabilities as an actress. This moment within the story shows all the sings that Holmes has finally met his equal, and foreshadows Adler's later escape from his hunt, as she is capable of deceiving and being one step ahead of Britain's most famed detective.

Sidney Paget

Hathi Trust

The Strand Magazine

July 1891

Princeton University Library

Digital reproduction of pencil on paper

Illustration