Palemon and Lavinia Possibly 1805

James Gillray created this print, Palemon and Lavinia, and we don't know exactly when. But it's likely to have been made during his most prolific years between 1770 and 1810. Gillray's satirical prints reflected the social and political tensions of late 18th-century Britain. Here, Gillray visualizes the power dynamics between men and women, particularly in the context of marriage and social expectations. Lavinia is depicted as an older woman, and the text below the image alludes to a modesty that "conceals" her charms. Gillray challenges idealized representations of women by portraying Lavinia as someone who deviates from conventional standards of beauty and youth. Gillray critiques societal norms by presenting a scene where traditional roles and expectations are subverted, inviting viewers to reconsider the complexities of gender and class in British society. How do we feel about the humor present in the image? Are we laughing with it, or at it?