Two Fat Sacks

London: George Humphrey, 1820. No Binding. Near Fine/No Jacket. Two figures meant for each other, one perhaps George III, the other depicted as a woman but since she wears prince-of-Wales feathers might be George IV, presented as a coy solicitation for the throne. George Cruikshank was the foremost British illustrator and caricaturist of the 1800s. During his career, Cruikshank produced well over 10,000 drawings and etchings ranging from book illustrations to political caricatures and social satire. He illustrated over 860 books plus countless periodicals and magazines. His illustrations for the novels of Charles Dickens and many others brought him great fame during his lifetime. Cruikshank's early work consisted mainly of caricatures and political satire. His favorite targets were the Royal family and leading politicians of the time. His satirical attacks on the Royal Family were so savage, that it is said that King George paid him a large sum not to caricature him. Cruikshank also gained inspiration from political and social events of the time. He drew cartoons satirizing British foreign policy, particularly imperialist wars with China and its rivalry with France. His drawings which satirized contemporary society were especially well-received, and he was favorably compared to the great Hogarth, as well as to James Gillray, whom Cruikshank acknowledged as an early influence. His satirical genius first found expression in ?The Scourge,? a periodical published between 1811-16. Condition: Slight toning. Dimensions: Image 15 1/2 inches wide x 10 1/4 inches high, frame 21 inches wide x 16 1/4 inches high