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Three Wise Men of Gotham - Victorian nursery rhyme illustration
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Three Wise Men of Gotham - Victorian nursery rhyme illustration
Three medieval-style men in a cracked bowl, which they are using as a boat on a rough sea. One of them looks sea-sick, another is carrying an open umbrella - presumably to use as a sail - and the other is using a very large spoon as a paddle. They won t get far.
The rhyme refers to a supposed incident in Gotham, Nottinghamshire, in England, when the villagers pretended to be imbeciles in order to discourage King John who was planning to build a hunting lodge there. As a result, he changed his mind.
" Three wise men of Gotham - Went to sea in a bowl - If the bowl had been stronger - My song had been longer."
From " Nursery Rhymes - Ridicula Rediviva" illustrated by J.E. Rogers, with chromolith printing by R. Clay Sons & Taylor and published in London in 1876 by Macmillan and Co
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Media ID 19694691
Bowl Nursery Rhyme Rough Seagull Spoon Text Umbrella
EDITORS COMMENTS
In this whimsical Victorian nursery rhyme illustration, we are transported to the fictional village of Gotham in Nottinghamshire, England. Three medieval-style men find themselves in a comical predicament as they embark on a daring adventure at sea. Clinging onto a cracked bowl that serves as their makeshift boat, these "wise" men face the wrath of a rough and tumultuous sea. As we observe them closely, it becomes evident that their nautical skills leave much to be desired. One of the men appears green with seasickness while another resourcefully employs an open umbrella as an improvised sail. The third member of this peculiar trio valiantly wields an oversized spoon, attempting to paddle their way through the treacherous waters. However, despite their valiant efforts and ingenuity, it is clear that their journey will not be successful. With humor and irony intertwined within this scene, we cannot help but chuckle at their futile attempts. This charming artwork is inspired by a popular nursery rhyme originating from Gotham itself. Legend has it that the villagers feigned foolishness to dissuade King John from constructing his hunting lodge there. Their clever ruse succeeded when he changed his mind due to believing them all to be imbeciles. Captured beautifully by J. E Rogers in 1876 and brought back to life through chromolith printing techniques by R. Clay Sons & Taylor, this delightful print reminds us of the enduring appeal and timeless charm found within traditional nursery rhymes.
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