Gezelschap voor het diner en na souper Possibly 1800 - 1809

George Cruikshank created this print titled "Gezelschap voor het diner en na souper" around 1816, and it is held in the Rijksmuseum. In it, two scenes depict social gatherings before and after dinner, held by caricature figures. This image, made in England, reflects the Georgian era’s fascination with satire and social commentary. We see the rigid social etiquette and the changing dynamics of gatherings before and after a meal. Cruikshank critiques the artifice and excess of the upper classes. It is worth noting the rising print culture of the time, enabled by new technologies, allowed such images to circulate widely, shaping public opinion and challenging traditional authority. Historians use a variety of sources, including period newspapers, diaries, and conduct manuals, to better understand the social norms and values depicted in the image. This is necessary in order to contextualize the work in its era. Ultimately, this artwork is part of a broader conversation about power, identity, and the role of art in shaping social consciousness.