Smile When You Go Under by William Kent, Amer., (1919-2012)

Slate Print in Color, 1966, Ed. of 30 or more, 52-3/4 x 38-1/8, printed in vibrant pink and blue, signed & dated 1966 in black ball point pen, some staining to the upper right margin on cream satin acetate fabric measuring 58-3/4 x 45-1/4. The black mark at lower right corner is the printed fabric brand trademark. Apropriating the design of a greeting card, This print features the early 20th century advertising icon Buster Brown and his dog Tige.The well to do Brown's smug wink  below the hollow "Thanks to All of You" sentiment above oozes with caustic derision when coupled with the "Smile When You Go Under" title of the print. The plight of the poor was one of several social justice concerns which Kent advocated for in his prints.