Nicholson's Alphabet series brought him success with the public and critics while he was still a young man. The prints, originally conceived as a tiny edition of hand coloured woodcuts, were published as lithographs in 1898. Several of the figures are witty and ironic, for example A was an Artist is a self portrait of Nicholson as a pavement artist whilst B for Beggar shows his brother-in-law James Pryde leaning on a staff - Pryde and Nicholson were, at the time, working together under the pseudonym J & W Beggarstaff.
... this art of leaving out is proof of the perfect acquaintance with the art of putting in, Mr. Nicholson states the few essential facts, and makes all else accessory.
James Whistler
