‘Exactly so! I am a Humbug’
A hand-painted replica of William Wallace Denslow’s masterpiece ‘Exactly so! I am a Humbug’, meticulously crafted by professional artists to capture the true essence of the original. Each piece is created with museum-quality canvas and rare mineral pigments, carefully painted by experienced artists with delicate brushstrokes and rich, layered colors to perfectly recreate the texture of the original artwork. Unlike machine-printed reproductions, this hand-painted version brings the painting to life, infused with the artist’s emotions and skill in every stroke. Whether for personal collection or home decoration, it instantly elevates the artistic atmosphere of any space.
William Wallace Denslow, an American illustrator and caricaturist, created the illustration titled "Exactly so! I am a Humbug" as part of his work for The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, written by L. Frank Baum and first published in 1900. This specific illustration appears in the book as a depiction of the Wizard of Oz admitting his fraudulent nature to Dorothy and her companions. The phrase "Exactly so! I am a Humbug" is a direct quote from the Wizard, who confesses that he is not a real wizard but rather a man from Omaha who has used tricks and illusions to maintain his image of power and authority in the Emerald City.
Denslow's illustration style in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is characterized by bold lines, vibrant colors, and a whimsical, cartoon-like quality. His work was instrumental in bringing Baum's story to life and contributed significantly to the book's enduring popularity. Denslow's illustrations were printed in a combination of black-and-white and color, with the latter being a relatively innovative feature for children's books at the time. The use of color in the illustrations often corresponded to the different regions of Oz, enhancing the visual storytelling and immersing readers in the fantastical world.
In "Exactly so! I am a Humbug", Denslow captures the Wizard's moment of vulnerability and honesty. The image typically shows the Wizard, depicted as an ordinary man, addressing Dorothy and her companions in a humble and somewhat sheepish manner. This scene is pivotal in the narrative, as it reveals the theme of self-discovery and the idea that true strength and courage come from within, rather than from external sources of power or authority.
Denslow's collaboration with Baum on The Wonderful Wizard of Oz marked the peak of his career. However, the partnership between the two creators ended after disputes over royalties and creative control. Despite this, Denslow's contributions to the original Oz book remain a significant part of its legacy. His illustrations have been widely recognized for their artistic merit and historical importance in the context of early 20th-century children's literature.
"Exactly so! I am a Humbug" is one of many illustrations that showcase Denslow's ability to convey character and emotion through his art. While Denslow's career declined in later years, his work on The Wonderful Wizard of Oz continues to be celebrated as a landmark achievement in book illustration.
