Comedy from a bygone age often loses much of its spark when taken in by a younger generation. It is possible that the topic that is subjected isn’t relatable anymore. That is why I was taken by great surprise when I began perusing over Joaquin Xaudaro’s work and found myself literally laughing out loud. Read on for a look at the work of Joaquin Xaudaro and why he is still relevant over 78 years after his death.
Xaudaro’s Life
Joaquin Xaudaro was an artist of Spanish descent who created quirky and comical drawings. Xaudaro was born on Aug. 17, 1872, in the Phillipines and was later educated in France and England. Xaudaro’s paintings were humorous. Some go so far as to make me actually laugh out loud. Xaudaro also contributed stage art for a production of “Madame Butterfly” as well as an animated film in collaboration with K-Hito. Xaudaro died in Madrid in 1933 at the age of 61.
Xaudaro’s Best Work
One of my favorite pieces by Joaquin Xaudaro is called “The Aviator.” In “The Aviator,” a pilot flies his plane directly over a chimney that is puffing smoke. As the pilot emerges from the smoke, he and his plane are covered in black soot and the pilot looks back at the chimney in disbelief. This highlights his work very well. He captures irony and disbelief in his work, and much of his catalog is still relevant in today’s modern age.
A Fan’s Take Away
The take away is simple. In this fast-paced day and age where it seems everything we come across is serious and urgent, it is refreshing to have some light-hearted humor to brighten my day. Xaudaro’s work was often accompanied by a simple caption and the idea was to deliver a cartoon or caricature with a quick punch. Xaudaro certainly did this, and many of his pieces leave me in stitches.
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