Laugh & grow fat (1778)

Dated 1778, "Laugh & grow fat" is an artwork by William Austin. Illustration, a short history: Illustration serves a text or a story, a tradition that runs from decorated medieval manuscripts to printed book plates, magazines, and posters. Printing methods such as woodcut, engraving, lithography, and photomechanical reproduction each shaped how illustrators worked. Context for 1778: The eighteenth century began with the light, ornamental Rococo, especially in France, and moved towards the clarity and antique references of Neoclassicism by the end of the century. In Japan, ukiyo-e woodblock printing flourished in the Edo period and made colour prints a popular and affordable art form. It is listed in the Illustration collection. The image is in landscape orientation.

Everything for "Laugh & grow fat" arrives digitally: Digital JPEG + PDF files, 300 DPI. Once payment is confirmed, an email brings the download link, and from there you decide how to print it, whether at home, at a print shop, or through an online service. A landscape format suits wide, low wall spaces such as the stretch above a bed, mantel, or sideboard. Matching the frame to the image proportions avoids cropping. Hang the print away from direct sunlight, which over the years can fade any printed colour. Choosing a standard frame size and printing to fit it often saves the cost of custom framing. Matte and fine-art papers reduce glare in bright rooms, while glossy papers give stronger contrast and deeper blacks.

William Austin is featured in our catalog. 8 works by the artist are available on onlly.art.

If you like the visual language of William Austin, explore more works by the same artist in our collection.