She caught Toto by the ear (1900)
Technique: Giclée quality print
Recommended by our customers
More about this artwork
In the delightful illustration "She caught Toto by the ear" by William Wallace Denslow, we encounter a whimsical moment lifted from the lively pages of L. Frank Baum’s beloved tale, "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz." Created in 1900, this image vividly captures the essence of Denslow's unique and vibrant artistic style, which was instrumental in bringing Baum's fantastical characters to life for early twentieth-century audiences.The painting shows a vivacious scene where a girl, presumably Dorothy, is depicted reaching through a dark, square hole in a wooden floor to grasp the ear of Toto, her small, scruffy dog. Toto appears surprised and slightly alarmed, dangling in mid-air, his legs splayed and eyes wide, conveying a sense of urgent motion and playful distress. Dorothy’s gesture is gentle yet firm, ensuring that her beloved pet does not escape or come to harm.The eye-catching combination of bold, flat colors and the dynamic angle of view makes this painting a captivating representation of a moment of adventure and mischief. Denslow’s use of crisp lines and a minimalist background draws the viewer’s attention fully to the interaction between Dorothy and Toto, effectively conveying a story within a single frame.
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.