Gladstone en Peel als Icarus en Daedalus Possibly 1844 - 1847

This lithograph by John Doyle depicts British Prime Ministers Gladstone and Peel as the mythical figures Daedalus and Icarus. It uses a classical allegory to comment on contemporary British politics. Made in the 19th century, this image references the ancient Greek myth of Daedalus and Icarus, where father and son attempt to escape Crete using wings made of feathers and wax. The cautionary tale warns against hubris, as Icarus flies too close to the sun, causing his wings to melt and he plummets to his death. In Doyle's caricature, Peel, representing Daedalus, flies safely while Gladstone, as Icarus, soars too close to "Free Trade," a jab at his economic policies. The islands below are labeled "Whiggism" and "Conservatism," political factions of the time. Political cartoons like this one played a crucial role in shaping public opinion and critiquing the powerful in Victorian England. Examining newspapers, journals, and parliamentary records of the time can provide deeper insights into the specific political issues Doyle is addressing. The meaning of this art is thus contingent on its historical context.