Sovereigns No.2° Caricature of Isabella II of Spain 1869

James Tissot created this print titled "Sovereigns No.2° Caricature of Isabella II of Spain" in 1869. The lithograph shows the Queen of Spain as a cartoonish figure set against a stormy sky, which immediately establishes a sense of instability and impending change. Structurally, the composition divides the figure vertically, with the dark, heavy cape on one side balancing the smaller, yet symbolically weighty, crown perched precariously on her head on the other. This asymmetry, combined with the forward momentum suggested by her posture, creates visual tension. The suitcase, emblazoned with the initials 'IB', acts as a focal point that draws attention to the figure's hasty departure. The use of colour is also notable. The muted tones, punctuated by the bright gold of the crown and the yellow stripe on her chest, highlight her status while simultaneously diminishing it through caricature. Tissot questions the traditional symbols of power, suggesting their fragility and vulnerability in the face of political upheaval. Ultimately, the caricature serves not just as a portrait but as a commentary on the shifting grounds of power, inviting viewers to reflect on the impermanence of sovereignty.