The Husband, in a State of Furious Drunkenness, Kills His Wife with the Instrument of All Their Misery., 1847
Glyphographexpand_more
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Butlerexpand_more P.77.38.13.7
Not on Viewexpand_more
Enormously popular in its day, George Cruikshank's "The Bottle," is an illustrated morality tale advocating temperance by depicting the insidious and evil effects of drinking. In this scene, one of eight relief prints in the series, Cruikshank depicts the dramatic climax to the progressive deterioration of an alcoholic father and his family. The lead players include the mother, who now lies dead on the floor; the drunken husband, who has just murdered his wife; and a broken bottle, the symbol of their decline. Policemen in top hats tend to the scene, seizing the remorseful husband, while the couple's son and daughter weep in disbelief.
Details
- Title
- The Husband, in a State of Furious Drunkenness, Kills His Wife with the Instrument of All Their Misery.
- Artist Life
- 1792 - 1878
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- P.77.38.13.7
- Provenance
- Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Butler, St. Paul; given to MIA,1977.
- Catalogue Raisonne
- Reid 2713; Cohn 194
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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