Isaac Cruikshank was born in Edinburgh, but spent most of his career in London. He produced many types of art, including engravings, watercolors, and drawings. His popular works satirized current political events and society. His wife and son also helped him color, letter, and create many of his prints. Isaac's sons George (1792-1878) and (Isaac) Robert (1789-1856) may have surpassed him in popularity and global recognition; nonetheless, their collaborations were incredibly successful. Isaac, as an artist, had a strong effect on the future of political satire in England.
Cruikshank's caricatures criticized both British and foreign personalities including The Duke of York (The Wet Party, see Caricature) and Napoleon Bonaparte (fig. 1). He also published works which address the slave trade (fig. 2).
Cruikshank's caricatures criticized both British and foreign personalities including The Duke of York (The Wet Party, see Caricature) and Napoleon Bonaparte (fig. 1). He also published works which address the slave trade (fig. 2).