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The Bottle, 1 -- Cruikshank
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The Bottle, 1 -- Cruikshank
A workmans home, with father and mother at the table, a little maid serving them, and their two young children at a tiny table in front of the hearth. Ominously, the father is holding a bottle. Date: 1847
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Media ID 20140273
© Bubblepunk
1840s 1847 Alcohol Alcoholism Bottle Clock Comfortable Cruikshank Cupboard Downfall Fireplace Grandfather Hearth Intemperance Maid Ornaments Respectable Servant Serving Shelves Temperance Workman Furniture
EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative image, titled "The Bottle" by the renowned English satirical artist, George Cruikshank, captures a moment in the life of a working-class family in Britain during the 1840s. The scene unfolds in a modest, yet comfortable home, with the father and mother seated at a small table, their faces expressing a mix of weary exhaustion and contentment. A young maid serves them, her posture suggesting the subservient role of a servant in Victorian society. In the foreground, two young children huddle around a tiny table in front of the hearth, their curious eyes fixated on their elders. However, the idyllic scene is marred by an ominous presence. The father, with a bottle clutched in his hand, gazes vacantly into the fireplace. The bottle, a symbol of intemperance and potential downfall, casts a long shadow over the otherwise respectable interior. Ornaments adorn the shelves, a grandfather clock ticks away in the background, and a cupboard filled with dishes and utensils stands ready for the next meal. This social scene, captured in 1847, offers a glimpse into the daily life of the working class during the Victorian era. While the family appears comfortable and content, the father's addiction to alcohol hints at a deeper, more troubling reality. The Temperance Movement, which advocated for the reduction of alcohol consumption, was gaining momentum during this time, reflecting the societal concerns surrounding the impact of alcoholism on families and communities. Cruikshank's masterful use of light, shadow, and detail invites the viewer to delve deeper into the story unfolding in this humble home, raising questions about the complexities of working-class life in 19th-century Britain.
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