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"There was an Old Man of Calcutta, who perpetually ate bread and butter", from A Book of Nonsense, published by Frederick Warne and Co. London, c. 1875 (colour litho)
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"There was an Old Man of Calcutta, who perpetually ate bread and butter", from A Book of Nonsense, published by Frederick Warne and Co. London, c. 1875 (colour litho)
LLM386674 " There was an Old Man of Calcutta, who perpetually ate bread and butter", from A Book of Nonsense, published by Frederick Warne and Co. London, c.1875 (colour litho) by Lear, Edward (1812-88); Private Collection; (add.info.: Written 1846; ); © Look and Learn
Media ID 23487298
© Look and Learn / Bridgeman Images
Calcutta Childrens Choked Choking City Of Calcutta Glutton Gluttony Greed Greedy Humourous Limerick Limericks Macabre Morbid Rhyme Rhymes Suffocating Dine Dying Inida Mealtime Muffin Verse
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This colorful lithograph print captures a satirical scene from Edward Lear's "A Book of Nonsense" published in London around 1875. The illustration depicts an old man from Calcutta, known for his insatiable appetite for bread and butter. Lear's witty limerick accompanies the image, describing the man's perpetual indulgence in this simple meal. The cartoon-like drawing portrays the gluttonous old man seated at a table, surrounded by stacks of bread and heaps of butter. His round figure suggests his love for food has taken its toll on his physique. With a mischievous smile on his face, he appears both satisfied and suffocated by his excessive consumption. This artwork serves as a scathing satire on greed and gluttony while also offering humorous commentary on Indian culture during that era. The exaggerated portrayal of the old man highlights not only his voracious appetite but also hints at the consequences such unrestrained indulgence can bring. Lear's clever use of rhyme adds to the macabre undertones present in this piece. Through vivid imagery and dark humor, he invites readers to reflect upon their own relationship with food and consider how unchecked desires can lead to self-destruction. Overall, this print showcases Lear's talent as an illustrator and poet while providing viewers with an amusing yet thought-provoking glimpse into Victorian literature and society.
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