The Complete Pessimist by H. M. Bateman
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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!"
A father gives a not entirely positive outlook on life to his young son.
1920
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Media ID 14415528
© Estate of H M Bateman/ILN/Mary Evans Picture Library
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The Complete Pessimist
EDITORS COMMENTS
is a classic cartoon by the renowned British satirical illustrator, H.M. Bateman, published in the Illustrated London News in 1920. The image captures a poignant moment between a father and his young son, as the father imparts his not entirely positive outlook on life. In the cartoon, the father, dressed in a suit and holding a pipe, sits in a comfortable armchair, while his curious little boy, with wide eyes and a quizzical expression, sits on the floor in front of him. The father, with a serious and somewhat melancholic expression, looks down at his son and says, "Life, my son, is a game - played against an invisible opponent, who invariably win!" The father's words, delivered with a touch of humor and wit, convey a sense of resignation and acceptance of life's inevitable challenges. The boy, however, seems to be taking in his father's words with a mixture of confusion and fascination. The cartoon is a poignant reminder of the importance of open and honest communication between parents and children, and the role that parents play in shaping their children's understanding of the world around them. Despite the father's pessimistic outlook, the image is also filled with a sense of warmth and love, as the father shares his wisdom with his son in a way that is both relatable and endearing. Bateman's use of simple yet expressive line work and subtle shading creates a timeless and enduring image that continues to resonate with audiences today. "The Complete Pessimist" is a testament to Bateman's unique ability to capture the complexities of human emotion and experience through the medium of cartoon art.
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