Libra - Striking the Balance from George Cruikshank's Steel Etchings to The Comic Almanacks: 1835-1853 (top left) c. 1846 - 1880

This etching, "Libra - Striking the Balance," is part of a series of four by George Cruikshank, illustrating the astrological signs Libra, Sagittarius, Scorpio, and Capricornus. Cruikshank was a renowned English caricaturist and illustrator known for his satirical and often whimsical work. "Libra" depicts a man balancing scales with a group of figures looking on, reflecting the astrological sign of Libra's association with balance and justice. The etching is a fine example of Cruikshank's characteristic style, utilizing detailed linework and dynamic compositions to create engaging and humorous scenes. It's currently held in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.