Author: Steve Melcher

Benjamin-Eugène Fichel, French

“Yoo-Hoo! Hey, Down There! Not To Rush You, Fellas, But How’s It Going With Finding a Taller Ladder?,” 1860

Oil on panel

Franz von Defregger, Austrian

The First-Ever WWE Match: “Stone Hold” Steve Austin Vs. The Rock, 1898

Oil on canvas

Eastman Johnson, American

“Happy Holiday To You Too, Warden. By the Way, This Being INDEPENDENCE Day, I Don’t Suppose You Could — No? Okay. Just Throwing It Out There,” 1874

Oil on board

Raffaello Sorbi, Italian

“Sorry Sir, We Didn’t Know There’d Be a Man in the Audience. Now We’ll Sing It Again As ‘Brown-Eyed Guy,'” Date Unknown

Oil on panel

Achille Glisenti, Italian

Do You Folks Actually Like This Painting? I Think It’s Only Sew-Sew, 1890

Oil on panel

Franz von Defregger, Austrian

Writing Her Review of the Debate, Nell Found Herself Struggling To Come Up With a 10th Synonym for “Sh*tshow,” ca. 1900

Oil on panel

Alfred Stevens, Belgian

“That’s My Bad, Miss. Before I Dusted You, I Should’ve Gotten Your Consent,” Date Unknown

Oil on canvas

Julio Romero de Torres, Spanish

When Geoffrey and Beth’s Daughter Was Born, They Admitted They’d Always Wanted a Girl. “Shocker,” Said Their Sons. 1919

Oil and tempera on canvas

Paul Jamin, French

“Actually Todd, I DO Mind If You Date My Ex,” 1888

Oil on canvas

Aelbert Jansz. van der Schoor, Dutch

Not Only Did Hendrik Love the Look of His New Beard, He Found It Doubled Nicely As a Whisk Broom, 1647

Oil on panel