Royalty in a Rage or Family Quarrels

July 23, 1820

Not on view

This satire comments on George IV's dilemma in the months following his accession in January 1821. Long separated from his wife Princess Caroline of Brunswick, the king was distressed to learn that she intended to return to England from Italy to participate in the coronation. In response, he pressed Parliament for a divorce, but met resistance as both politicians and his own family reminded him of Caroline's popularity with a sympathetic public who held their new monarch in low esteem for his exorbitant expenditures and many affairs. Here, George furiously throws glasses of wine at two of his brothers who are trying to intercede in the queen's favor.

Artwork Details

Title: Royalty in a Rage or Family Quarrels
Artist: Isaac Robert Cruikshank (British, London 1789–1856 London)
Publisher: E. King (British, active 1819–31)
Subject: George IV, King of Great Britain and Ireland (British, London 1762–1830 Windsor)
Subject: Caroline of Brunswick (German, Brunswick 1768–1821 Hammersmith)
Date: July 23, 1820
Medium: Hand-colored etching
Dimensions: Plate: 9 3/4 × 13 7/8 in. (24.8 × 35.2 cm)
Sheet: 10 9/16 × 14 3/4 in. (26.8 × 37.4 cm)
Classification: Prints
Credit Line: Gift of Adele S. Gollin, 1976
Object Number: 1976.602.99
Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints

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