Denslow’s Mother Goose Pl 15 (1901)

William Wallace Denslow's illustration "Denslow’s Mother Goose Pl 15" encapsulates the whimsical and slightly comic style that the artist is renowned for. Created in 1901, this work features a charming scene involving a portly man and a mischievous cat. The man, depicted with a cheerful expression, looks up at the cat who has positioned itself in a window placed high on a door. The cat, with an exaggerated wide grin and sharp, sprightly whiskers, adds to the humor and fantasy of the scene.The illustration is boldly colored, using a vibrant palette to draw attention to the characters. The man is dressed in a blue outfit adorned with red polka dots, and he is holding a red item in his hand that could very well be a key, perhaps hinting at his intention to enter through the door. The cat's bright orange fur starkly contrasts with the dull grey of the door and the cool teal of the background, making the feline figure the focal point of the artwork. The simplicity of the background focuses the viewer's attention squarely on the interaction between the man and the cat.Denslow's unique ability to infuse characters with personality shines through in this painting, as does his knack for storytelling through visual images. "Denslow’s Mother Goose Pl 15" offers a glimpse into a moment full of curiosity, amusement, and slight intrigue, characteristic of Denslow’s illustrative work for children’s literature.