Denslow’s Mother Goose Pl 39 (1901)

William Wallace Denslow, renowned for his distinctive style of illustration, presents a captivating scene in "Denslow's Mother Goose Pl 39" from 1901. Known for his work on the original illustrations for L. Frank Baum's "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz", Denslow brings the same whimsical and bold approach to his depictions of nursery rhymes.In this artwork, we observe an elderly gentleman, possibly a farmer or a caretaker, who has just opened a large wooden door, revealing a serene countryside view. His attire is quite formal for a rural setting, characterized by a tailored coat adorned with flower patterns, striped trousers, and speckled shoes—a contrast that adds a layer of curiosity about his character. In his hand, he holds a book titled "Menu", which suggests preparations for an event or meal, adding another layer of narrative intrigue as to why he holds this book in such a setting.The scene outside the door features rolling fields, a few sheep grazing peacefully, and a distant home nestled under tall trees, bathed in the warm glow of either a sunrise or sunset. The juxtaposition of the indoor and outdoor setting creates a charming contrast, highlighted by the differing color palettes: the warmer tones of the landscape against the cooler, subdued colors of the interior.The curious expression of the elderly man as he points towards the landscape might imply he is either instructing the sheep or gesturing to an unseen character out of our view. His interaction with the sheep, which looks back at him with an almost surprised expression, injects a sense of life and animation into the scene.