Spotprent op de hertog van Clarence, de latere koning Willem IV, 1813 Possibly 1813 - 1818

George Cruikshank etched this hand-colored print called ‘Spotprent op de hertog van Clarence, de latere koning Willem IV’ around 1813. Here we see an unflattering depiction of the Duke of Clarence, later King William IV, dancing rather clumsily with a woman. This caricature reflects the political and social climate of early 19th-century Britain. Cruikshank was known for his satirical prints that often targeted the British monarchy and aristocracy. These prints provided a form of social commentary, critiquing the behavior and policies of those in power. The image also plays on stereotypes and prejudices of the time. By exaggerating the Duke's physical appearance and awkwardness, Cruikshank ridiculed the elite class. To better understand the work, we could look into the history of British political cartoons, the biographies of Cruikshank and William IV, and the social norms of Regency-era Britain. The meaning of this work is contingent on its social and institutional context.