Monstrosities of 1816. Scene, Hyde Park
George Cruikshank
European Art
For his Monstrosities series, issued annually from 1816 to 1825 to lampoon the latest style of dress, George Cruikshank drew from the imagery of the contemporary fashion plates that Londoners eagerly consulted. Here, contorted bodies in short, high-waisted dresses and wasp-waisted jackets promenade through Hyde Park, making an absurd contrast with nearby classical statuary. Poking fun at print consumption as much as fashion, Cruikshank’s image satirized those who foolishly attempted to emulate printed images.
MEDIUM
Etching and watercolor (hand colored) on wove paper
DATES
1816
DIMENSIONS
image: 9 7/8 × 13 7/8 in. (25.1 × 35.2 cm)
sheet: 12 1/16 × 19 1/8 in. (30.6 × 48.6 cm)
SIGNATURE
Not signed
ACCESSION NUMBER
27.232
CREDIT LINE
Museum Collection Fund
MUSEUM LOCATION
This item is not on view
STATE
II/III
RECORD COMPLETENESS
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