‘Indigestion’, 1825

Description

Mounted hand coloured etching, entitled ‘Indigestion.’, drawn by Alfred Henry Forrestier, etched by George Cruikshank, and published by S. Knight in 1825.

The over-consumption of food and alcohol were popular subjects for caricaturists in the early 1800s. Here an unshaven man, wearing a nightgown and slippers, sits facing the viewer between the fire and a window in a bed room. Obviously in discomfort he holds his stomach with his hand, whilst being tormented by little figures and demons.

The blue devil and other imaginary figures were a device used by artists, notably George Cruikshank, where the patient’s condition is highlighted by these imaginary figures who torment them.

This caricature contains numerous references to over-indulgence and indigestion during the festive period; two tiny servants bring the patient more plates of food, while underneath the side table two tiny watchmen arrest a drunk. Dinner invitations lay scattered at his feet. On the side table are a bottle of “Soda water” and a