Cartoon, The Bridal Night
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Cartoon, The Bridal Night
Cartoon, The Bridal Night, by James Gillray, depicting the marriage of Charlotte Princess Royal, eldest daughter of George III, to Frederick Duke of Wurttemberg. Also present are Caroline of Brunswick, King George III, the Prince of Wales, and William Pitt. Date: 1797
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Media ID 14230233
© The Sharp Illustration Collection / Mary Evans Picture Library
1790s 1797 Aristocracy Bedtime Bridal Brunswick Caroline Charlotte Comment Criticism Frederick Gillray Harsh Pitt Satire Satirical Wurttemberg
The Bridal Night
EDITORS COMMENTS
is a satirical cartoon by the renowned British artist James Gillray, created in 1797. This intriguing print captures the tumultuous atmosphere surrounding the marriage of Charlotte Princess Royal, the eldest daughter of King George III, to Frederick, Duke of Wurttemberg. The political undertones and harsh criticism of the aristocracy and the ruling monarchy are evident in every detail of this masterpiece. The scene is set in a grand bedroom, where the newlyweds are shown lying in bed, while King George III, the Prince of Wales, and William Pitt look on with various expressions of disapproval and amusement. Charlotte's mother-in-law, Caroline of Brunswick, is depicted in the foreground, holding a mirror and examining her own reflection, seemingly oblivious to the event unfolding behind her. The marriage of Charlotte and Frederick was a highly publicized and controversial affair. The public was divided in their opinions, with some viewing it as a match of love and companionship, while others saw it as a political maneuver to strengthen alliances between Britain and Wurttemberg. Gillray's cartoon, however, offers a scathing commentary on the political machinations and personal motivations behind the wedding. The artist's use of satire and harsh criticism is evident in the exaggerated features and expressions of the characters, as well as the subtle details that poke fun at the aristocracy and the political establishment of the time. The print is a fascinating glimpse into the political climate of the late 1790s and the complex web of relationships and alliances that shaped the British monarchy during this period. Overall, "The Bridal Night" is a testament to James Gillray's skill as a satirical artist and his ability to capture the zeitgeist of his time.
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