though normally loved by most of his countrymen, storm p. has also been criticised for being too toothless, cosy and petit bourgeois. in spite of his social background and interest of poor milieus, he very seldom shows deeper social criticism or revolutionary opinions; the dramatic age in which he lived left rather small stamps on his work. on the other hand he was no staunch giggler; many of his paintings deal with death, sorrow and macabre themes. though not a revolutionary, he has indeed painted the victims of social injustice and misery, often with a strong touch of compassion. melancholy and fear are not unknown to him, but his official appearance was an optimistic one.