Botheration 1793

"Botheration" is a satirical hand-colored etching by English artist Samuel Alken, created in 1793. The print, currently in the Metropolitan Museum of Art collection, depicts a group of lawyers in a courtroom setting, engaged in an animated discussion over legal documents. Alken's artwork is a playful commentary on the legal profession, capturing the absurdity and often-exaggerated nature of courtroom proceedings. The humor in the scene lies in the exaggerated expressions and gestures of the lawyers, suggesting a level of chaos and confusion within the otherwise formal environment. The detailed, hand-colored figures and the overall scene provide a glimpse into the social and cultural context of the time.