La Caricature

"The first quarter of the 19th century in France was a turbulent time. Napoleon had just been defeated, and the war between the Royalists and Republicans had begun anew with fresh vigor. Charles X, after an attempt to restore the absolutism of the old French monarchy and put an end to the freedom of press, had been forced to abdicate in the July Revolution of 1830. The “citizen-king” Louis-Philippe was elected to take his place. All this political turmoil, plus the new technique of lithography led to the birth of a new popular art form: the political caricature." [source]

How to Draw Caricatures: The 5 Shapes

article from the Mad Blog on how the foundation for a successful caricature stems from understanding the importance of just 5 shapes

http://www.tomrichmond.com/blog/2008/02/14/how-to-draw-caricatures-1-the-5-shapes/

Issac Cruikshank

"Crying for a New Toy", a January 25th 1803 satirical caricature attributed to Isaac Cruikshank (father of George Cruikshank) which portrays Napoleon's planned coronation in a rather undignified light:
Dialogue in image:
Old Nurse: -- "Well Child, you shall have it, but I don't think you'll be a bit better for it, nor quieter when you've got it."
Nappy: -- "I will have it, I will, or else I'll cry -- give me the Crown!"
(Potty-training chair in background; torn picture of "the world", and broken crowns and sceptres litter the floor.)