Damn Lice! (1902)

Description: "Damn Lice!" is a whimsically engaging piece by Swedish artist Ivar Arosenius, painted in 1902. This illustration, rendered in what appears to be ink on paper, depicts two panels that collectively tell a simple yet humorous story centered on the discomfort and annoyance caused by lice.In the left panel, we see a series of figures strolling across what might be a city street, all rendered in a loose, almost caricature-like style. The focus is on a man in a long black coat and top hat. His posture and stride suggest purpose and perhaps a touch of irritation, underscored by the presence of a small, fierce-looking dog by his side, whose expression and stance mirror his owner’s displeasure.The right panel continues this narrative with the same man now visibly agitated, clutching at the back of his coat, his facial features contorted in annoyance. The air around him is filled with tiny, flying lice, explaining his discomfort. The background figures appear to react to or discuss his predicament, adding a layer of public embarrassment to his personal irritation.The expression "Damn Lice!" captured at the bottom of the second panel, alongside the exclamatory punctuation, perfectly encapsulates the man’s cursed feeling towards his situation.This work is a fine example of Arosenius's ability to blend humor with everyday life's grimace, employing a minimalist style that effectively conveys emotion and action.