Spotprent op koninklijke huwelijken Possibly 1847

John Doyle created this lithograph, titled 'Rather Sharp Practice in Diplomacy', in England. It depicts two statesmen in conversation, likely commenting on the politics surrounding royal marriages. The image creates meaning through visual codes characteristic of political cartoons. Doyle uses caricature to satirize the figures. The speech bubbles directly address the topic of royal marriages, implying diplomatic maneuvering behind the scenes. The ghostly figure looming over the diplomats suggests the ever-present influence of royal expectations and the weight of tradition. In 19th-century England, royal marriages were matters of state, impacting international relations and domestic stability. Doyle's cartoon provides a glimpse into the social and political anxieties surrounding these unions. The Rijksmuseum's records and other historical documents could help us to better understand the context of this artwork. Art historians consider the social conditions of artistic production and the role of the artist in commenting on or challenging the existing social order. By examining the context in which this lithograph was made, we can gain a richer understanding of its meaning and significance.