The Opening of the Great Industrial Exhibition of All Nations, by Her Most Gracious Majesty Queen Victoria and His Royal Highness Prince Albert, on the 1st of May, 1851: The View is Taken from the South West Gallery, at the time when the Archbishop is offering up a Prayer for the Divine blessing upon the objects in the Exhibition 1851

This black and white print by George Cruikshank depicts the opening ceremony of the Great Exhibition of 1851. The scene takes place inside the Crystal Palace, a vast glass and iron structure built in London to house the exhibition. Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, along with dignitaries and a massive crowd, are present for the ceremony. Cruikshank's detailed illustration captures the grandeur and excitement of the event, showcasing the innovative architecture of the Crystal Palace and the vast array of exhibits. The print, now in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is a significant historical document that commemorates a pivotal moment in British history.