Tweedledum and Tweedledee, or, The Schoolmaster [i]s abroad! 1835

This lithograph is a work by John Doyle, now residing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Look closely at how Doyle uses line and form to create a satirical image of two figures in opposition. The stark contrast in body types immediately grabs our attention: on one side, a slender, almost spindly figure and on the other, a stout, rotund character. This opposition is not just physical, it extends to the gestures and postures. One leans forward, eagerly presenting a hat, while the other stands firm, hand outstretched in what could be seen as a gesture of both invitation and caution. The title, "Tweedledum and Tweedledee," suggests a world of mirrored absurdities. Doyle uses the lithographic medium to its fullest, creating a scene that is as much about the stark contrasts as it is about the social commentary. The formal elements come together to challenge our perceptions, inviting us to decode the cultural signs embedded in the artwork.