Pedestrian Hobby Horse n.d.

This print was made by J. Lewis Marks, probably in England in the first half of the 19th century. It depicts a well-dressed man riding an early type of bicycle called a ‘hobby horse.’ The image highlights a moment of technological optimism, as new machines promised to transform daily life. Yet it also gently pokes fun at the upper classes, as the ‘hobby horse’ was an expensive novelty item and this particular model is rather ridiculous. The print makes meaning through its combination of visual codes, cultural references, and historical associations. The rider’s high hat, tailored jacket, and tightly fitted trousers mark him as a figure of wealth. But he is made to look faintly absurd by being placed on top of this impractical contraption. Analyzing prints like this requires us to look at contemporary newspapers and advertisements, as well as popular songs and theatrical productions, to fully appreciate their meaning. It is through this kind of research that the social and institutional context can reveal the subtle nuances of art.