Satirical prints played a significant role in the public life of Georgian Britain, engaging with a range of social and political themes. We will discuss the nature of the print market, and explore some of the reasons for their popularity at this time and for their subsequent decline. We will also think about some of the techniques and approaches adopted by the artists concerned such as caricature and parody. Examples we look at will include work by William Hogarth, James Gillray, Thomas Rowlandson and George Cruikshank.
Course aim
To consider the role of satirical prints in Georgian Britain, exploring the reasons for their popularity and subsequent decline, and the approaches adopted by the artists involved.
Do I need any particular skills or experience?
- This course is for beginners and improvers
By the end of the course I should be able to:
- identify three key factors behind the rise and fall of Georgian satirical print culture.
- discuss ideas such as satire, caricature and parody.
- look at examples of prints from this period and make a comment in discussion on them.
- none
What else do I need to know?
There is nothing you need to bring. No preparatory reading is required, but some suggestions for further reading will be given.
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