"I had come to London to see a royal, but I only saw the back of another person's head." from the Little Miseries of Human Life 1843

J. J. Grandville created this print, a dark etching, as part of his series on the little miseries of human life. At first glance, we are drawn to the crowd, a chaotic mass struggling for a glimpse of royalty. But it is the recurring motif of the obscured view that truly captivates. This motif, or symbol, echoes throughout history, from ancient Roman crowds straining to see their emperor to modern concertgoers filming with their phones. Each era reinvents the frustration of obstructed access. Consider, for instance, the medieval pilgrimages where only a privileged few could touch the holy relics, while others were left to imagine, their faith tested by mere hearsay. In both scenarios, we witness the potent psychological impact of desire thwarted by an impenetrable barrier. This collective yearning, this subconscious hunger to witness greatness, underscores the cyclical nature of human experience. The very same hopes and disappointments repeat, as the masses look upon power.