The Victorian Punch
, c. 1965
34.3 x 24.4 cm (h x w)
Pen and ink wash and gouache
Collection: Diana Cohen
© Estate of Alfred Cohen 2020
With The Victorian Punch Cohen explicitly links the European commedia dell’arte tradition with the more modern British tradition of ‘Mr Punch’, Punch magazine, and seaside Punch and Judy shows. This figure of Punch echoes a popular Victorian cast iron door-stop design, but the leering grin is deeply expressive of a sinister delight.
