Cartoon Gallery

Humour rain umbrella St. Swithin 19th century cartoon

This is a cartoon etching by the well-known Victorian social caricaturist / cartoonist George Cruikshank (1792 - 1878), dated November 1st, 1829. (1829 is in the reign of William IV, but most of Cruikshank's artistic work was in the long reign of Queen Victoria.) Cruikshank went on to illustrate a number of the books of Charles Dickens. Title: St. Swithin, Patron Saint of Umbrella makers. Singing: Long to Rain over us'. Description: If it rains on St. Swithin's Day (July 15 ), or so the saying goes, then it will rain for forty days and forty nights. Cruikshank sees this as a benefit for business, for the manufacturers of umbrellas. St. Swithin (St. Swithun) is shown showering two watering cans on his victims, while riding a flying dolphin that spouts a deluge from its mouth and nostrils. Under a large umbrella, the people of Britain dance and sing Long to rain over us, combining a homage to the rain and the reign of the king (William IV). The rendering of the dolphin is usual for this time since they were looked upon as fish. Designed Etched & Published by Geo. Cruikshank a?? Novr. 1st 1829

© Whiteway

William James Glackens Went Home 1909 Black crayon

William James Glackens: Then We All Went Home, William James Glackens, 1909, Black crayon, charcoal, ink washes, and white gouache on wove paper, Created in 1909 as an illustration for The Practical Joke, a story by Eden Phillpotts in Putnam's Magazine, this drawing depicts the story's narrator walking home from a bar with two friends. The story, illustrated with four other drawings by Glackens, tells the tale of a man named Edward Bickford whose silver racing trophy is stolen from his bar Seven Stars by his brother, Forrester. The robbery is discovered by two of the narrator's friends when they attempt to play a practical joke on him.Sight: 9 7/16 x 12 7/8 in. (24 x 32.7 cm)

© Artokoloro Quint Lox

The Man Who Lit His Cigar Before The Royal Toast - Bateman

The Man Who Lit His Cigar Before The Royal Toast - H M Bateman. This illustration shows an arrogant man who has defied etiquette by lighting his cigar before the correct course of dinner. He is oblivious to the anger of his fellow diners and the waiting staff. The personalities of the diners are apparent in the reaction to the man and his cigar. Date: 1924

© Estate of H M Bateman/ILN/Mary Evans Picture Library