Capsize - to upset or turn over any thing

1830

From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum

Dominant colour

Capsize - to upset or turn over any thing is a 1830 by Unknown, a Romanticism work, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.

Who painted this?: Unknown
When & what style?: 1830 · Romanticism
Where can I see it?: Victoria and Albert Museum

About this work

A small boat tilts wildly, dumping two men into choppy water. Their wide hats float away as waves crash over the hull. A third man hangs onto the side, arms straining. This is a comic print meant to make people laugh. In 1830, cartoons rarely showed real danger—this one did. It poked fun at clumsy sailors who couldn’t stay upright. Check out more in the Victoria and Albert Museum’s prints section.

The story of this work

Overview

The comic illustration titled *Capsize* depicts a scene where an angry onlooker strikes the drummer of a Punch & Judy booth, causing it to overturn. Mr. Punch is shown flying through the air as the booth collapses, with the foot of the Punch performer visible inside. The work is part of the George Speaight Punch & Judy Collection.

Read the full account in the museum source.