Anglers of 1811 c. 19th century

"Anglers of 1811" is an etching made in England in 1811 by an anonymous artist, satirizing leisure activities and social classes. The print depicts a group of figures fishing from a small boat and along the riverbank. It reflects the social dynamics of early 19th-century England, where leisure activities were increasingly accessible, but still largely defined by class distinctions. The caricature exaggerates the physical traits and attire of the figures. The artist seems to be commenting on the absurdity of social pretensions and the blurring of class lines during this era. The act of fishing, typically associated with working-class sustenance, is here parodied as a comical display of middle- and upper-class leisure. The emotional appeal lies in the artwork's invitation to reflect on how social roles are constructed and performed. It prompts us to consider how we, too, engage in performative acts that define our identities and social positions.