The Sulky Club c. 1794

Henry William Bunbury made this print called "The Sulky Club" using etching and engraving techniques. The image depicts a group of men, each radiating a distinct air of displeasure and social disengagement. Made in England, it subtly critiques the social dynamics of the late 18th century. These clubs emerged as spaces for men of leisure and influence, shaping public opinion and cementing social hierarchies. The figures' exaggerated expressions and postures suggest a satire of this environment. Bunbury, in this print, questions the idealized image of the gentleman and the role of social clubs in reinforcing class distinctions. To further understand Bunbury’s criticism, we might look into records of these clubs, and explore the period’s political cartoons and social commentaries. Through historical research, we gain insights into the meaning of art as something contingent on social and institutional contexts.