Songs: "When in death I shall calm recline..." 1822

This print, by Henry Thomas Alken, probably made around the 1820s, uses etching to capture scenes inspired by popular songs of the time. Alken’s caricatures give us a glimpse into the cultural landscape of early 19th-century England. The lyrics that accompany each vignette address themes of love, death, and freedom which were common in the Romantic era. But notice how Alken subtly destabilizes these sentimental themes. For instance, in one scene, two men mourn beside a hanging corpse. Are we meant to pity the dead or scrutinize the society that condemned them? Alken also seems to be playing with gender roles, as women are depicted in both vulnerable and idealized poses. But these representations may not be as straightforward as they appear. By exaggerating emotional displays, Alken raises questions about authenticity and performance. The scenes within the print offer us an emotional and critical lens through which to examine social values, and the human capacity for love, loss, and resilience.