Over-Head and Under-Foot from George Cruikshank's Steel Etchings to The Comic Almanacks: 1835-1853 (top left) c. 1842 - 1880

This is "Over-Head and Under-Foot" from George Cruikshank's Steel Etchings to The Comic Almanacks: 1835-1853. Cruikshank, working in the 19th century, was deeply embedded in the social and political issues of his time. This etching presents a series of comical scenes that reveal a lot about Victorian society. The scenes depict everyday life, from mountain climbing accidents, which would only have been experienced by the upper classes at the time, to drunken debauchery. Cruikshank uses humor to critique social behaviors and class distinctions. Notice how in each scene the figures seem to find themselves in situations where social norms are turned upside down, or literally inverted in the images at the top. Cruikshank was known for his satirical take on social issues, and he certainly wasn't afraid to ruffle a few feathers. He once stated that he aimed "to give a fillip to the public mind." In this series of works, Cruikshank captures the essence of a society grappling with change and inequality. Consider how this etching continues to spark conversation about social issues, while also tapping into our shared human experiences.