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The dying clown, illustration from The Pickwick Papers by Charles Dickens
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The dying clown, illustration from The Pickwick Papers by Charles Dickens
KW259116 The dying clown, illustration from The Pickwick Papers by Charles Dickens (1812-70) published 1837 (litho) by Browne, Hablot Knight (Phiz) (1815-92); Private Collection; Ken Welsh; English, out of copyright
Media ID 12774823
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Alcoholic Deathbed Dickensian Drunk Drunkard Entertainer Victorian Novel
The Dying Clown - A Haunting Depiction of Despair and Poverty in Victorian England
EDITORS COMMENTS
. This print captures a poignant moment from Charles Dickens' timeless masterpiece, The Pickwick Papers. Illustrated by Browne, Hablot Knight (Phiz), the image portrays the tragic fate of a male entertainer, a pantomime actor who has succumbed to the depths of alcoholism. The scene unfolds within the confines of an austere interior, where we witness the harrowing deathbed of this once vibrant performer. His disheveled appearance and vacant gaze reveal not only his physical deterioration but also his shattered spirit. As he lies on his bed, surrounded by darkness and despair, one cannot help but feel an overwhelming sense of sadness for this fallen artist. Intriguingly juxtaposed against this desolate backdrop is the presence of his wife and child. Their somber expressions hint at their shared burden as they bear witness to their loved one's demise. This powerful portrayal serves as a stark reminder that even within the realms of entertainment and joyous performances, poverty lurks relentlessly. Dickensian in nature, this illustration delves deep into society's underbelly during Victorian times—a time when destitution was all too prevalent among those who entertained others with laughter. It serves as both a cautionary tale about addiction's destructive grip and a social commentary on class disparities that plagued 19th-century England. As we contemplate this evocative image captured by Ken Welsh for Fine Art Finder
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