V is for Villain 1898

William Nicholson created the print, V is for Villain. Nicholson was part of a generation reckoning with rapid industrialization, urbanization, and shifts in traditional social structures, and there's something about this work that reflects anxieties about the changing social landscape. Who is the villain here? The figure is shrouded in shadow, concealing identity and intentions, inviting us to consider how easily we assign blame or suspicion to those who appear different or threatening. The print is part of an alphabet series that may seem educational, but invites us to reflect on how identities are constructed through language and representation. By presenting this figure as a "villain", Nicholson challenges us to confront our own prejudices and stereotypes. How might our perceptions of villainy be shaped by societal biases, and who gets to define what is considered "good" or "evil?"