The Cowardly Lion 1900

This is William Wallace Denslow’s illustration of the Cowardly Lion. It’s an image that was made for the original edition of The Wizard of Oz. Denslow’s illustration depicts the Cowardly Lion as a rather pathetic figure. The Lion's supposed "king of the beasts" status is undermined by his anxious expression and slumped posture. It's a far cry from the traditional image of the brave and regal lion that was often used in political cartoons of the period. The Wizard of Oz has always been interpreted as a commentary on the political and economic conditions of the late 19th-century United States. The characters in the story were representations of different groups and figures in society, and their journey to Oz reflected the search for solutions to the country's problems. Historical sources, like periodicals, political cartoons, and children's literature, can provide valuable insights into the cultural and political context of the period. Such research allows us to understand how Denslow and Baum may have been using the Cowardly Lion to critique the existing social order.