English popular satire meets Italian caricature

A prophercy, the coach overturned, Anonymous, 1762

The exhibition is divided into three major subject areas and a children’s activity area. The first area, The Art of Satire, looks at the development of this popular art form in London from the late 17th century to the present day. 

The basis of visual satire as we know it today, arose from two quite distinct traditions, which merged in eighteenth century London. Caricature, or 'caricatura', the art of distorting faces, had come to London from Italy through connoisseurs and travellers on the Grand Tour. London also had a long tradition of 'Satire', popular prints with crude, often symbolic imagery.

Popular satire and caricature blended to create a distinctive art form of pointed humour.

       

In the main print above King George III and Queen Caroline are depicted as lions seated in a coach that has overturned. The driver is Lord Bute, the Scottish Prime Minister, and his companion is the dowager Princess of Wales, the King's mother.

This print reflects fears felt over peace negotiations taking place with France in the early 1760s.