Statesman No.130° - Caricature of Mr Roger Eykyn, Liberal M.P. for Windsor 1872

James Tissot created this caricature of Mr Roger Eykyn, Liberal M.P. for Windsor, in 1872. It appeared as an illustration in Vanity Fair magazine. Vanity Fair was a satirical magazine known for its caricatures of prominent figures. Tissot, a French artist who spent time in London, captured Eykyn with exaggerated features, underscoring the visual codes of political satire. The title "The Police Champion" hints at Eykyn's involvement or stance on law enforcement issues, reflecting the magazine's engagement with contemporary British politics. Caricatures like this one played a significant role in shaping public perceptions of political figures. They were instruments in the construction of celebrity and notoriety in equal measure. To fully understand the caricature's nuances, we would look at archival sources to uncover the specifics of Eykyn's political career, the social issues of the day, and the readership of Vanity Fair. In this way, we can see how the artwork functioned within its contemporary cultural and institutional landscape.