Home > Mary Evans Prints Online > Royal Aeronautical Society
Satirical political cartoon, The Fall of Icarus
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Satirical political cartoon, The Fall of Icarus
Satirical political cartoon, The Fall of Icarus, showing a plump, naked Earl Temple (Richard Temple-Nugent-Brydges-Chandos-Grenville, 1st Duke of Buckingham and Chandos, 1776-1839) with manufactured wings trying to fly after his father, Buckingham (George Nugent-Temple-Grenville, 1st Marquess of Buckingham, 1753-1813), whose wings are labelled Tellership of the Exchequer (the position he held in the government). Temples wings are disintegrating and he is about to fall onto a pointed stake labelled Stake out of Public Hedge. The head of George III superimposed on the sun watches the scene.
1807
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 7474927
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10610188
1807 Brydges Buckingham Chandos Exchequer Falling Georgian Grenville Hedge I Ii Icarus Lampoon Marquess Melting Naked Nugent Plump Point Pointed Satirical Sharp Stake Stick Voluptuous Wings Disintegrating
EDITORS COMMENTS
The Fall of Icarus: A Satirical Political Cartoon of the Time This satirical political cartoon, titled "The Fall of Icarus," dates back to 1807 and offers a scathing commentary on the political climate of the time. The image depicts Earl Temple, the 1st Duke of Buckingham and Chandos (1776-1839), attempting to fly with manufactured wings, while his father, George Nugent-Temple-Grenville, 1st Marquess of Buckingham (1753-1813), flies ahead with the label "Tellership of the Exchequer" attached to his back. The wings of the younger Temple are disintegrating, and he is about to plummet onto a pointed stake labeled "Stake out of Public Hedge." The sun in the sky is superimposed with the head of King George III, watching the scene unfold. This symbolizes the monarch's disapproval of the actions of the Duke of Buckingham. The cartoon lampoons the Duke's failed attempt to fly, likely a reference to his political missteps and financial mismanagement. The title "The Fall of Icarus" alludes to the ancient Greek myth of Icarus and Daedalus, where Icarus flies too close to the sun, causing his wax wings to melt and leading to his demise. In this context, the Duke of Buckingham is portrayed as an arrogant and foolish Icarus, attempting to fly with artificial wings, only to fall from grace and face the consequences of his actions. The satirical nature of the cartoon is further emphasized by the voluptuous women in the background, who watch the scene with amusement and comment on the Duke's exposed backside. This adds an element of ridicule and mockery, highlighting the Duke's public humiliation and the folly of his actions. Overall, "The Fall of Icarus" is a fascinating glimpse into the political satire of the Georgian era, offering a humorous yet insightful commentary on the events and personalities of the time.
MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
