Statesman No.094° - Caricature of Alderman Andrew Lusk M.P. 1871

James Tissot made this caricature of Alderman Andrew Lusk in 1871, which appeared in Vanity Fair magazine. More than just a portrait, it's a commentary on the role of the political figure within society. In this image, Lusk is scrutinizing a document, perhaps a bill or a piece of legislation. The accompanying text, “Now I want to know,” suggests a critical and questioning stance. This was the era of Victorian England and political cartoons like this one played a crucial role in shaping public opinion. Magazines such as Vanity Fair served as important institutions in the circulation of political imagery. Often, the individuals portrayed in these caricatures would have been known by name and reputation to the magazine’s readership. To fully understand the image, we need to explore the political context of the time, studying records and papers from that period. The study of art gives us invaluable insights into the social and institutional history of our world.