Created by the artist Cassius Marcellus Coolidge in 1888, the artwork titled “Foregrounds Advertisement” belongs to the Kitsch art movement and is classified under the genre of caricature. This piece exemplifies Coolidge’s unique style and his contributions to advertising and caricature art during that period.
In the artwork, a man stands prominently with a caricatured face, holding an oversized pen and palette. The drawing showcases exaggerated features typical of caricatures. The backdrop includes promotional text for “Coolidge’s Photo-Caricatures,” emphasizing the patented process. The figure depicted is labeled “A Father!,” highlighting the humor and lighthearted nature inherent to the caricature genre. The artwork effectively merges advertisement and artistic whimsy, characteristic of Coolidge’s work.