Satirical Print of Caleb Whitefoord 1792 - 1796

Isaac Cruikshank created this satirical print of Caleb Whitefoord, likely in the late 18th century. During this time, satire was a powerful tool to critique social and political figures. In this etching, Whitefoord, a wine merchant, is mocked for his supposed interest in paintings of nude women. The prints on the wall are a spectacle for the male gaze and reveal societal norms related to gender and class. The humor relies on stereotypes about aging men and their supposed lechery. Yet, there is a melancholic undertone. Whitefoord seems alone, perhaps lost in thought as he gazes at a catalogue of paintings. Cruikshank uses caricature to expose what he sees as hypocrisy or folly. The print is more than just a joke, it is a reflection of the era's attitudes toward aging, sexuality, and the commodification of women in art. It leaves us to wonder about the relationship between public persona and private desires, and the price of living under constant scrutiny.