George Speaight Punch & Judy Collection
1885
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
1885
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
This print shows a laughing crowd watching a Punch and Judy puppet show in 1843 London. The puppets pop against dark ink thanks to sharp lines and strong contrast—call it chiaroscuro if you like, the trick of dark shadows and bright faces. You can almost hear the wooden smacks and giggles. Folks in top hats and bonnets fill the scene, squeezed close to the puppet booth. The artist packed every inch with tiny details: a dog mid-bark, a mother shielding her child, even the sausages steaming on a vendor’s tray. Look up Cruikshank, George to see more of his sharp, funny prints.
