The Pig Faced Lady of Manchester Square and The Spanish Mule of Madrid c. 1815

George Cruikshank produced this hand-colored etching, "The Pig Faced Lady of Manchester Square and The Spanish Mule of Madrid," in 1815. It is a biting satire on early 19th century British society and the political climate of the time. The print juxtaposes two figures: a woman with a pig's face, representative of the era's fascination with deformity and the commodification of the human body, and a mule dressed in royal garb, a clear jab at the Spanish monarchy under Napoleon's influence. Cruikshank masterfully uses visual codes to critique both social norms and political power. The pig-faced lady, despite her supposed deformity, is shown engaging in a refined activity, playing the piano, highlighting the superficiality of societal values. The Spanish Mule, in contrast, lampoons the perceived absurdity of imposed rule. By understanding the social context of the time, including the Napoleonic Wars and the rise of celebrity culture, we can better understand the meaning of Cruikshank's commentary. Historians might consult periodicals, political pamphlets, and even medical literature of the period to fully grasp the social and institutional forces at play in this work.