Pessimist Collection

Do you want some? By H. M. Bateman
" Do you want some? Innoculating a pessimist with Merry Christmas bacilli." This cartoon mentions the recent discovery of Reading Bacillus by Leonard Joyce as a new way of healing wounds

Poster, The Pessimist, Spanish Civil War, design by Ramon Puyol Roman. 1936

Pessimist and Optimist, 1893-1919. Artist: Makovsky, Vladimir Yegorovich (1846-1920)
Pessimist and Optimist, 1893-1919. Found in the collection of the Regional A. Deineka Art Gallery, Kursk

Cartoon, The Optimist and the Pessimist, showing two men reading the same news items about the war but reacting in very different ways. Date: 1915

The Complete Pessimist by H. M. Bateman
" Father, what is life?" " Life, my son, is a game - played against an invisible opponent, who invariably win

The Parrot, by H. M. Bateman, WW1 cartoon, 1918
" THE PARROT" In the first half of the cartoon a young politician is shown standing up in the Commons during WWI claiming that the country has reached the extreme crisis of the war

Cartoon, They get what they deserve, WW1
Cartoon, They get what they deserve, showing a group of pessimists, as if in a lunatic asylum, with a sign warning others against approaching or speaking to them. Date: 1915

Cartoon, There are none so deaf, WW1
Cartoon, There are none so deaf, showing a typical pessimist talking about the war to two women in a restaurant. Surrounding them is a border of barbed wire, keeping out any item of good news

Cartoon, Victory singing, WW1
Cartoon, Victory singing, with happy soldiers walking along a road. A pessimistic civilian man watches them, and comments: Its unbelievable

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

Mr. Bramble and the widow from The Expedition of Humphry Clinker by Tobias Smollett
XJF862981 Mr. Bramble and the widow from The Expedition of Humphry Clinker by Tobias Smollett (engraving) by Browne, Hablot Knight (Phiz) (1815-92); Private Collection; English, out of copyright

Optimist and pessimists - postcard by George Ranstead
Postcard by George Ranstead, amateur soldier artist of the Great War featuring three miserable looking hairy men with long beards, looking with suspicion at an optimist who is grinning broadly

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"Pessimism: A Tale of Perspectives and Satirical Reflections" In the realm of art and literature, the concept of pessimism has been explored through various mediums, offering a glimpse into the intricate workings of human nature. From thought-provoking posters to captivating cartoons, these creative expressions shed light on the complex dichotomy between optimism and pessimism. One such example is H. M. Bateman's renowned work titled "Do you want some?" This poster serves as a visual representation of the pessimist, showcasing their tendency to anticipate negative outcomes even in seemingly positive situations. Similarly, Bateman's cartoon series "The Complete Pessimist" delves deeper into this mindset by humorously illustrating how individuals with a pessimistic outlook perceive everyday scenarios. Historical events have also served as inspiration for artists exploring the theme of pessimism. The Spanish Civil War acted as a backdrop for an intriguing poster aptly named "The Pessimist. " Through its powerful imagery, it highlights how war can fuel negativity and despair within individuals. During World War I, numerous cartoons emerged that depicted contrasting perspectives between optimists and pessimists. One such cartoon portrays an optimistic victory song juxtaposed against another depicting those who receive what they deserve—a reflection on fate's role in shaping one's perspective during times of conflict. Beyond wars and conflicts, other literary works have delved into the intricacies of human nature through characters like Mr. Bramble from Tobias Smollett's novel "The Expedition of Humphry Clinker. " Bramble embodies both optimism and pessimism at different points throughout his journey, reflecting society's ever-changing moods. Furthermore, Vladimir Yegorovich Makovsky’s painting “Pessimist and Optimist” captures two figures engaged in conversation during 1893-1919—an era marked by uncertainty amidst social upheaval. This artwork encapsulates how differing viewpoints shape our perception of reality.