Statesman No.098° - Caricature of Alexander Baillie Cochrane M.P. 1871

James Tissot produced this caricature of Alexander Baillie Cochrane M.P. as a chromolithograph for Vanity Fair magazine in 1871. Cochrane, a Conservative politician known for his charm and wit, is presented here with a touch of satire. Vanity Fair was known for its caricatures of prominent figures. The visual codes are clear: Cochrane's slightly puffed face and relaxed posture suggest a man of privilege, comfortable in his position. His discarded top hat implies a certain nonchalance, perhaps even a detachment from the concerns of the common man. This image speaks to the visual culture of Victorian England, where political commentary often took the form of humorous critique. The image's title, 'Judicious Amelioration', might ironically point to Cochrane's political agenda, or his perceived lack of genuine concern for social reform. Understanding this image requires delving into the social and political history of the time. Periodicals, political papers, and biographical sources would shed light on the artist's intentions and the public's reception of this artwork.