February - First Rout from George Cruikshank's Steel Etchings to The Comic Almanacks: 1835-1853 c. 1840 - 1880

George Cruikshank made this steel etching titled ‘February - First Rout’ as part of the Comic Almanacks, a series that spanned from 1835 to 1853. It’s a satirical take on the social gatherings, or "routs," of the British upper class. Cruikshank, working in 19th-century Britain, uses caricature to critique the manners and appearances of the wealthy. Note the exaggerated features and the chaotic scene, reflecting a commentary on the perceived excesses and superficiality of high society. These Almanacks were widely popular, suggesting a broad public interest in critiques of the elite. The artist's work invites us to consider the role of satire in shaping public opinion. To delve deeper, explore the social history of Victorian England, looking at sources like periodicals, etiquette guides, and fashion plates. These can illuminate the context in which Cruikshank’s art was both created and understood. Art, after all, is inseparable from the social and institutional forces that give it meaning.