Denslow’s Mother Goose Pl 35 (1901)

Welcome to a moment captured in time and color by the iconic illustrator William Wallace Denslow, well-known for his distinctive work on the original "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz." This piece, "Denslow's Mother Goose Pl 35," created in 1901, exhibits the artist's famous bold, rounded, and colorful style, inviting us into a whimsical narrative steeped in Mother Goose lore.In this engaging illustration, we witness a humorous and slightly exaggerated scene featuring two characters dressed in early 20th-century attire. On the left stands a stern-looking chef, complete with a towering white hat and a striped apron over his ample attire, suggesting his authority in the kitchen. He holds a freshly baked pie, possibly inspecting it for perfection or about to serve it. His expression—one of critical evaluation or dissatisfaction—adds to the comedic tension of the scene.To his right, a young boy, looking bewildered and somewhat dismayed, directs his gaze upwards towards the imposing figure of the chef. The boy, dressed in simple pants with suspenders and a peculiar conical hat, seems puzzled or concerned, perhaps about the fate of the pie or the chef's stern look. His stance and expression inject a sense of innocence and curiosity into the scene.Through this lively depiction of kitchen dynamics, Denslow not only tells a story but also captures the essence of character and setting, making this piece a delightful visual exploration of children's nursery rhymes. Each character's attire and the simple, effective color palette resonate with the quaint charm and playful nature of Mother Goose stories, making this illustration a captivating piece for both young readers and those young at heart.