The Cowardly (1900)
Technique: Giclée quality print
Recommended by our customers
More about this artwork
"The Cowardly" (1900) by William Wallace Denslow offers a captivating exploration of character through its delicate yet evocative visual style. This painting features a forest densely populated with thin, tightly packed trees, creating a backdrop that is both tranquil and slightly mysterious. The scene is animated by three distinct figures: Dorothy, the Cowardly Lion, and the Scarecrow from L. Frank Baum’s beloved tale, "The Wizard of Oz."In this illustration, Dorothy is depicted leading the trio, basket in hand, with the Scarecrow following closely behind her. Notably, the Scarecrow is portrayed in his classic ragged attire and straw hat, an embodiment of rustic simplicity and endearing vulnerability. The Cowardly Lion, true to his name, seems to hover hesitantly behind, encapsulating a sense of timidness despite his ostensibly ferocious appearance.Denslow’s use of a monochromatic green palette intensifies the feeling of an enchanted, otherworldly place, while the interaction among the characters provides a narrative about courage and friendship. This artwork is not only a celebration of Baum's characters but also a fine example of Denslow's impactful, narrative-driven illustration style.
Delivery
Returns
William Wallace Denslow was an American illustrator and caricaturist remembered for his work in collaboration with author L. Frank Baum, especially his illustrations of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Denslow was an editorial cartoonist with a strong interest in politics, which has fueled political interpretations of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.