‘You ought to be ashamed of yourself’ 1900

This illustration, “You ought to be ashamed of yourself” (1900), by William Wallace Denslow (1856-1915), depicts a scene from L. Frank Baum’s classic children’s novel “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz”. It features Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion, characters who are central to the story, as they journey down the Yellow Brick Road in search of the Wizard. The whimsical style of the illustration is characteristic of Denslow's work, which often featured vibrant colors and expressive characters, a style popular in children's literature of the early 20th century. The image captures a moment of interaction between the characters, highlighting their unique personalities and the bond they share as they embark on their adventure. This illustration serves as a visual representation of a classic American story and has become a recognizable symbol of the Wizard of Oz universe.