And Z for Zoologist 1898

William Nicholson created this woodcut print, entitled 'And Z for Zoologist', as part of his 'An Alphabet' series. Nicholson, born in 1872, lived through a period of immense change in Britain, including the rise of scientific inquiry and exploration. The print depicts a stern zoologist peering intently at a skeletal drawing, possibly embodying a scientific detachment that was gaining prominence at the time. Nicholson's choice of the zoologist invites us to reflect on evolving views of the natural world and humanity's place within it. The rigidity in the Zoologist’s posture hints at the restrictive social norms of the era. As we observe this figure, we might question the role of science in defining our understanding of life and how societal expectations shape our individual identities. The intense scrutiny of the zoologist almost feels like an invitation for us to examine the constructs that frame our own perspectives.