Beroking van de Corsicaan, 1813 Possibly 1813

Editor: This is "Beroking van de Corsicaan, 1813," or "Fumigating the Corsican," by Thomas Rowlandson, created with etching and ink. It's certainly a busy composition. The figures are so exaggerated. It almost feels like political propaganda. How do you interpret this work? Curator: Indeed. The exaggerated figures and satirical title are key to understanding its socio-political context. Rowlandson was a master of British caricature, and this piece reflects the widespread animosity towards Napoleon Bonaparte, or "the Corsican," in England during the Napoleonic Wars. Notice how Napoleon is choked by the smoke of his enemies’ pipes. Editor: Yes, I see that now. It seems like a roasting! Curator: Precisely! Think of it as a visual representation of public opinion. It's interesting to analyze how the artist uses this “smoking out” metaphor to express political anxieties. Also note the centrality of "Real Hollands Geneva;" drink was an important social lubricant for political discussions. Consider also the figure perched atop the barrel drinking porter. Editor: It does highlight the social atmosphere, that political opinions were shaped, perhaps even fueled, in places like pubs and taverns. This print becomes a record of a specific historical perspective. Curator: Exactly. These prints were often widely circulated, shaping public perceptions and contributing to the national narrative of the time. Think about the power of such imagery and its role in reinforcing specific viewpoints. Do you think it accurately reflects the sentiment of the time? Editor: Probably; maybe it even magnified that sentiment. I hadn't considered how the production and circulation of prints like these contributed to a specific public role of art during this era. Curator: And that’s the crucial thing to consider - the power of art not just as representation but as an active agent. Editor: Thanks, it makes me see it as more than just a funny picture. It reveals some deeper implications about popular politics.