Sport n.d.

This lithograph entitled ‘Sport’ was designed by Percy Cruikshank. Its monochromatic appearance comes from the lithographic printing process, where an image drawn on a stone or metal plate with a greasy substance is then printed using ink. The efficiency of this method allowed for mass production of images. The print depicts a series of humorous scenes related to hunting and outdoor activities. Look closely, and you’ll see the characters are dressed in traditional sporting attire, suggesting the work is targeting an upper-class audience with leisure time. However, the satirical tone and exaggerated caricatures hint at a critique of this lifestyle. Perhaps Cruikshank is challenging the values and behaviours associated with the upper class? By using a relatively inexpensive and widely accessible printing technique, Cruikshank democratizes the conversation around class and leisure. It blurs the lines between social commentary and fine art. The material and method amplify the message, making it accessible to a broader audience.