‘I feel wise Indeed,’ said the Scarecrow 1900

Curator: Right now we're looking at an illustration by William Wallace Denslow. It's from around 1900, and it's titled “'I feel wise Indeed,' said the Scarecrow." Editor: It's so whimsical! The colors are like a muted dream, and everyone's wearing glasses. It feels like an invitation to a slightly surreal tea party. Curator: Denslow, of course, famously illustrated L. Frank Baum's *The Wonderful Wizard of Oz*, and this certainly carries the book's aesthetic DNA. It’s intriguing how his illustrations visually codified many aspects of Oz. Editor: He really did! But what gets me is the slightly unsettling charm. The scarecrow, the lion, even the tin man... they're all a bit...off. Is it intentional do you think? Or a sign of the times, the anxieties peeking through the storybook facade? Curator: Interesting point. Considering the late 19th century context - rapid industrialization, shifting social norms - a sense of unease lurking beneath the surface makes sense. Baum was certainly grappling with anxieties of his own, which would naturally bleed into Denslow's work, especially given their close collaboration and some business partnership. Editor: And that circle behind the characters with the landscape inside. That's weird too, like they are not really there, it gives me the feeling they could be somewhere else, you know. Maybe even not there at all! It is funny but has something menacing at the same time. Curator: Absolutely. In terms of social and cultural importance, these original illustrations were pivotal in solidifying *The Wonderful Wizard of Oz* in the public imagination, influencing countless interpretations across various media to follow. They continue to demonstrate the powerful role art plays in shaping our shared cultural narratives and values. Editor: I agree. Denslow helped bring a world alive that still resonates and evolves through each of us. So thanks, William! And maybe I will use my own pair of stylish glasses to re-enter Oz soon. Curator: Yes, thank you William. It's interesting to consider how early anxieties can shape a Land of Magic for so many years to come.