Sherman c. 1891

F. G. Attwood created this artwork, Sherman, a black ink drawing, in 1891. The composition is dominated by a circular arrangement of caricatures, immediately suggesting a cyclical, perhaps satirical, view of political figures. The monochromatic palette heightens the graphic quality, emphasizing the stark contrasts and sharp lines that define each character. The organization within the circle evokes a sense of hierarchy and interconnectedness. The figures, rendered with exaggerated features, communicate a critical commentary on the political landscape of the time. Attwood employs a semiotic system through visual cues to decode each figure's role and status. The structure challenges fixed meanings, using familiar imagery to undermine established political values. The cyclical arrangement, reminiscent of a clock face, suggests a repeating pattern of political behavior. Ultimately, Attwood's work functions as a commentary on power, representation, and the perpetual re-interpretation of political narratives.