Monday 23 December 2013

The Triumph of Cupid


George Cruikshank sits thinking of the 'universal dominion' of Love (click on image to enlarge).

So let's see who we've got here ...


The blind man, the artist, the Turk (I presume) and some kind of captive ...


The slave, the ?prisoner?, the pugnacious dustman (albeit wearing boxing gloves, defeated by the cupid) ...

One cupid toasts a heart on a grate marked as the Fire Office (the Sun Fire Office insurance company, presumably being referenced here ) ...


Another chases a lamplighter


Old Father Time is set upon ...


And a range of Victorian menfolk follow the triumphant King Cupid in chains. I can make out a harlequin, sailor, various military types, chimney sweep, footman, judge, bishop, prince, possibly a policeman ...


Whilst also in chains, but at the front are the women of every class ...


And finally some rather mercenary cupids (cupidity?) ...


Not sure about the heads at the bottom though.

So, Cruikshank on love and marriage, there.