The Wedding Night 1797

Isaac Cruikshank’s etching satirizes a wedding night, utilizing caricature to reflect the social and political values of late 18th-century Britain. The print critiques the British monarchy, specifically King George III and Queen Charlotte. This critical lens was influenced by a growing sense of political and social reform throughout Europe and America. The King, bloated and overdressed, leads a procession, while the Queen carries a dish of cakes. A figure behind her struggles with a bag of money, suggesting that it is a marriage of convenience. The artist uses the wedding to question the motives and morals of the British elite. The artwork serves as a commentary on the intersection of power, gender, and economics within the institution of marriage. The image offers a cynical view of love and relationships within the upper classes, highlighting the emotional emptiness and transactional nature that can arise when marriage is used as a tool for social or financial gain.