The old rascal

Bellows, George, 1882-1925 · [ca. 1916]

Although many critics have compared the conception and execution of the subject matter in this lithograph to that of the French master satirist Daumier, the artist's explanation provides what is perhaps a more appropriate description. His reference is to Francois Rabelais (c. 1494-1553), a French monk who is best remembered for his two novels that, according to "Webster's Biographical Dictionary, "are noted for their broad and racy humor and grotesque invention." (Mason)