Fine Art Print : The Optimist & the Pessimist by George Belcher, WW1
Fine Art Prints from Mary Evans Picture Library
The Optimist & the Pessimist by George Belcher, WW1
The Small One: They seem to think the war will be over very soon now, Mrs Arris The Ohter: I shouldn t be surprised, Mrs. Green; twenty-five shillings a week and me usband away. I always said it was too good to last. A humorous comment on the separation allowance, awarded to wives of serving soldiers during the First World War. For many, the income was more than they were used to and there was widespread criticism that working class women spent their allowance on drink. Date: 1916
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Media ID 14143290
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
Alcohol Allowance Belcher Classes Income Optimist Pessimist Pubs Separation Wives
21"x14" (+3" Border) Fine Art Print
Experience the poignant contrast of hope and despair in George Belcher's timeless masterpiece, 'The Optimist & the Pessimist.' This exquisite fine art print, available through Media Storehouse and sourced from Mary Evans Prints Online, captures the essence of the human spirit during the tumultuous era of World War 1. Two women, deep in conversation, embody the optimistic and pessimistic views of the war's end. The optimist, Mrs. Arris, clings to her belief that the conflict will soon be over, while the pessimist, Mrs. Green, remains skeptical. This captivating image, with its rich detail and evocative storytelling, is a must-have for any art collection. Immerse yourself in the history and emotion of this powerful work, now available as a high-quality fine art print from Media Storehouse.
21x14 image printed on 27x20 Fine Art Rag Paper with 3" (76mm) white border. Our Fine Art Prints are printed on 300gsm 100% acid free, PH neutral paper with archival properties. This printing method is used by museums and art collections to exhibit photographs and art reproductions.
Our fine art prints are high-quality prints made using a paper called Photo Rag. This 100% cotton rag fibre paper is known for its exceptional image sharpness, rich colors, and high level of detail, making it a popular choice for professional photographers and artists. Photo rag paper is our clear recommendation for a fine art paper print. If you can afford to spend more on a higher quality paper, then Photo Rag is our clear recommendation for a fine art paper print.
Estimated Image Size (if not cropped) is 35.5cm x 53.3cm (14" x 21")
Estimated Product Size is 50.8cm x 68.6cm (20" x 27")
These are individually made so all sizes are approximate
Artwork printed orientated as per the preview above, with portrait (vertical) orientation to match the source image.
The Optimist & the Pessimist
EDITORS COMMENTS
is a humorous and thought-provoking cartoon by George Belcher, published in 1916 during the First World War. The image captures a conversation between two women, Mrs. Arris (the optimist) and Mrs. Green (the pessimist), in a pub setting. Mrs. Arris, with a hopeful expression and a glass of beer in hand, expresses her belief that the war will soon come to an end. Mrs. Green, with a frown and a cigarette in hand, voices her skepticism, commenting on the separation allowance that has provided her with more income than she was accustomed to before her husband went to the front. The cartoon is a poignant commentary on the impact of the war on working-class families and the criticism that some women spent their allowance on drink. The contrasting expressions and body language of the two women add to the humor and the historical significance of the image. The cartoon is a reminder of the challenges and uncertainties faced by families during the war, and the resilience and humor that helped people cope with the hardships. The image is a valuable historical document that sheds light on the social and cultural context of the time, and a testament to the power of art to reflect and comment on the human experience.
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