The artwork titled “Sovereigns No.8° Caricature of William I, King of Prussia” is an 1870 piece by artist James Tissot. This caricature belongs to the art movement known as Realism and is part of the genre of caricature. It is included in a series named “Sovereigns (Caricatures)” and was published in Vanity Fair on January 7, 1871.
In this satirical depiction, William I, King of Prussia, is shown adorned in regal attire, with exaggerated features emphasizing his grandeur and perhaps his perceived arrogance or gluttony. The scene includes a large table with small figures representing various people interacting with the tablecloth and the objects on it. These figures appear to caricature common folk working around the imposing figure of the monarch, thus providing a visual commentary on the socio-political dynamics and the monarchy’s influence over the common populace. The symbolism, such as the fork and knife resembling weapons and the spilled liquid possibly symbolizing blood, suggests themes of power and oppression handled with a satirical tone. The overall composition is rich in detail, using humor and exaggeration to critique the monarchy.
