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Colonial Command: Sir Godfrey Yeatman Lagden, Guardian of Basutoland, 1901
About the Item
This caricature from Vanity Fair, published on August 22, 1901, features Sir Godfrey Yeatman Lagden, the British Resident Commissioner of Basutoland, which is now known as Lesotho. The title "Basutoland" in the caption aligns with his role and the colonial administration he was part of during that period.
Sir Godfrey Yeatman Lagden is depicted in outdoor attire suitable for the rugged terrain of Basutoland, complete with a walking stick and a pipe, suggesting a figure who is both authoritative and practical, possibly reflecting his experiences and responsibilities in colonial administration. His attire, which includes a jacket and puttees, is typical of a British colonial officer in Africa during this era, designed for both function and formality.
The artist, 'Spy'—Sir Leslie Ward, is known for his insightful caricatures that often highlight the professional and personal demeanor of his subjects. In this portrayal, Lagden's determined expression and sturdy posture convey his commanding presence and the challenges of his administrative duties in a colonial context.
The illustration in Vanity Fair was created using lithography, a popular printing technique in the 19th century. Lithography involves drawing an image with a grease-based medium on a limestone plate, then treating the surface with a chemical that ensures the ink only adheres to the drawn areas. This plate is then used to print the image on paper. The technique allows for high-quality, detailed prints that capture subtle gradations of tone and sharp contrasts, ideal for vividly portraying the unique caricatures for which Vanity Fair was known.
Vanity Fair prints gained popularity due to several factors:
1. Celebrity and Notoriety: The magazine featured prominent figures from various fields, including politics, royalty, arts, and sports. This wide range appealed to a broad audience interested in different aspects of society and celebrity.
2. Artistic Quality: The prints were known for their high artistic quality and the distinctive styles of the contributing artists, such as 'Ape' (Carlo Pellegrini), and 'Spy', who had a keen eye for detail and a wry sense of humor that shone through in his caricatures.
3. Humor and Satire: The caricatures often included humorous and satirical interpretations of the subjects’ personalities and careers, making them not only visually engaging but also entertaining.
4. Collectibility and Decoration: These prints were collectible items even at the time of their publication. They were often framed and displayed, serving as conversation pieces due to their striking and often amusing portrayals of well-known personalities.
5. Social Commentary: By exaggerating features and mannerisms, the caricatures provided insightful, though playful, commentary on the public figures of the day, resonating with the Victorian society’s appetite for social and political satire.
The combination of high artistic standards, humor, and social critique in a format accessible to the Victorian middle class made Vanity Fair lithographs highly popular and sought after as both collectibles and decor.
- Dimensions:Height: 15.75 in (40 cm)Width: 10.63 in (27 cm)Depth: 0 in (0.02 mm)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1885
- Condition:Condition: Good, given age. General age-related toning and/or occasional minor defects from handling. Please study scan carefully.
- Seller Location:Langweer, NL
- Reference Number:Seller: BG-13102-91stDibs: LU3054341316802
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