Caricature on the Birth of the Princess Royal 1840

Curator: This is an intriguing pen and ink drawing from the 19th century, entitled "Caricature on the Birth of the Princess Royal," made by an anonymous British School artist. Editor: I find it rather charming, with the cherubic figure carrying a banner. Is it meant to be celebratory, or something more biting? Curator: Given its satirical nature, it likely offers a critical commentary on the event. The Royal Family always attracted a lot of public opinion. Editor: The hasty sketch feel gives it an immediacy. I wonder about the implications of presenting the royal birth this way—what norms were being challenged? Curator: Exactly! The piece would have been a circulating commentary on power structures and societal expectations tied to royal succession. Editor: Thank you, it is so interesting to consider the subtle ways artists engaged with the political narrative of their time. Curator: Indeed, it gives us a perspective of how the public viewed the monarchy.