Two Self-Portraits in Profile
Medium
Graphite, on ivory wove paper, tipped on cream wove card
Dimensions
11.5 × 18.1 cm (4 9/16 × 7 3/16 in.)
Classification
graphite
Department
Prints and Drawings
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
66491
Art Historical Context
George Cruikshank (1792–1878), the renowned British caricaturist illustrator, captures himself twice in this intimate *Two Self-Portraits in*. Rendered in graphite on delicate ivory wove paper and tipped onto cream wove card, the small-scale drawing (11.5 18.1 cm) showcases his masterful line work and keen observation. Though undated, it reflects Cruikshank's era of Regency and Victorian satire, where he gained fame illustrating Charles Dickens's novels like *Oliver Twist* and creating biting political cartoons. These profile views highlight Cruikshank's distinctive features—sharp nose, expre...
About the Artist
George Cruikshank · 1792–1878
George Cruikshank (1792–1878) was born in London on 27 September 1792, the son of Scottish caricaturist Isaac Cruikshank and Mary MacNaughton. His older brother, Isaac Robert Cruikshank, was also a caricaturist and illustrator, while his sister Eliza worked as a designer. From a young age, Cruikshank assisted his father in the studio, contributing titles, backgrounds, and lettering to cartoons by ...