Artwork
Illustration for "Peronnik the Fool": A Bill and a Wooden Block

Illustration for "Peronnik the Fool": A Bill and a Wooden Block is a print by Stephen Gooden. It dates from 1933 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
- Accession no.
- 1986.139.3
About this work
The scene looks simple but has a lot of tiny details, like the axe’s handle grain and the wood’s rough texture.
This drawing shows a single axe buried up to its handle in a tree stump. Around the stump are split logs, like someone just chopped them. The axe’s blade is stuck at an angle, as if it got jammed.
The artist signed it in the corner: Stephen Gooden, 1933. The scene looks simple but has a lot of tiny details, like the axe’s handle grain and the wood’s rough texture.
Next, check out Stephen Gooden (British, 1892–1955) for more of his quirky drawings.
Overview
'A Bill and a Wooden Block' is a print by Stephen Gooden, created in 1933, and is part of the collection at The Cleveland Museum of Art.
Subject & Meaning
The illustration depicts an axe lodged in a tree stump, surrounded by split logs, conveying a moment frozen in time. The scene's simplicity belies its intricate details, such as the texture of the wood and the grain of the axe handle.
Technique & Style
Gooden's work is characterized by its attention to detail, evident in the rendering of the axe and the surrounding wood. The artist's style is marked by a sense of quiet observation, capturing the textures and nuances of the scene.
History & Provenance
The print was signed and dated by the artist in the corner, 'Stephen Gooden, 1933', confirming its creation date and authenticity.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Stephen Frederick Gooden CBE, RA, RE was an English artist, engraver, illustrator and designer of banknotes.








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