The Comic Almanack: September Show of Hands for a Liberal Candidate

The Comic Almanack was published between 1835-1853 and had an illustration for each month. For September 1843 it was a scene derived from the a local Parliamentary election. In this calendar format Cruikshank reflected contemporary street life.

In the earlier editions Cruikshank illustrated festivals and street fairs in a light hearted manner. By the 1840s the engravings had moved away from depictions of upbeat street life and occasions to scenes which showed the fragility of early Victorian existence. Figures are shown on the defensive sliding down the social scale highlighting the precariousness of London life. Here the corruption endemic in local elections is highlighted, pointing to the divisions caused by the debates over the repeal of the Corn Laws.

George Cruikshank was a prolific caricature artist (1792-1878) who illustrated many books with satirical engravings.