The Horses, Going to the Dogs 1 - 1829

Curator: Here we have "The Horses, Going to the Dogs," a print by George Cruikshank. It’s undated, but Cruikshank was active in the late 18th and 19th centuries, known for his satirical illustrations. Editor: It’s bleak, isn't it? A whole society careening downhill. The horses themselves look trapped, like a facade hiding something darker. Curator: Indeed. Horses traditionally symbolize nobility and power. Cruikshank inverts this. The phrase “going to the dogs” implies ruin, reflecting societal anxieties about moral decay. Editor: The central coach overloaded with people, the tiny dogs scattered around… chaos! It’s like a morality play condensed into a single frame. Curator: The smaller vignettes around the central image add layers, each referencing a different aspect of this downfall. The "Fast Trotters," the "Poor Relation"... Editor: It feels like a warning, a visual proverb about the dangers of excess and societal imbalance. Makes you wonder what Cruikshank saw happening around him. Curator: His symbols resonate across time. Even now, we can appreciate the commentary on unchecked ambition. Editor: Yeah, it's a reminder that some patterns, sadly, are eternal.