Original Cabinet Card - Smell My Finger

Not much is known about Wilhelm “Whiff” Krönigsburg, except that he was the subject of the world’s first documented prank portrait.

Taken during a long afternoon in Ellingstedt, this image captures the exact moment Wilhelm began to suspect his cousin Gertrude may not have washed her hands after harvesting onions. The mysterious disembodied hand belonged to an avant-garde performer named Liesel, who made a modest living traveling the countryside interrupting photographs and modestly disturbing the elderly.

Though Wilhelm maintained a composed expression, his eyes whispered, “No good will come of this.” He was right. Moments later, the entire studio smelled faintly of pickled herring and regret.

The photo remains a powerful reminder that not all dares are meant to be accepted. Especially in wool.

Colin Batty is an artist from Manchester, UK. He has worked on countless cool projects including Tim Burton's, Mars Attacks, the Oscar nominated short, The Sandman, Eddie Murphy's, The PJ's and many, many more. Colin has contributed to Freakybuttrue for many years and graces this site with his amazing designs, incredible sculptures, comics and his world famous cabinet card paintings and so much more.

Each original cabinet card is a genuine one hundred year old (or more) photograph on which Colin directly paints. Photographs of this age are often creased, scratched, deteriorated, and otherwise worn. Colin often utilizes the character of the wear to find inspiration.

Each card is signed and dated by the artist.

High quality prints of this original can be purchased HERE.