Opinions on The Divorce Bill!!

Art Historical Context

**Opinions on The Divorce!!** (June 2, 1800) is a lively hand-colored etching by George Murgatroyd, with contributions from caricaturist Thomas Rowlandson and publisher Rudolph Ack of London. Measuring about 15 x 20 inches on its sheet, this print exemplifies the vibrant satirical tradition of Regency-era Britain, where exaggerated figures and witty commentary captured public debates. Hand-coloring, applied by skilled artisans after printing, brought these etchings to life with bold hues, making them affordable yet eye-catching souvenirs sold in Ackermann's famous Repository of Arts. The title skewers a heated parliamentary controversy over a divorce bill, poking fun at the clashing "opinions" of men and women on marriage and separation. Rowlandson, a master of humorous caricature, likely amplified the chaos with his signature plump, expressive characters, while Woodward provided the sharp design. Produced amid Britain's print boom, it reflects how satire served as a democratic mirror to politics and social norms, entertaining the masses while critiquing the elite. Today, housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints department (Elisha Whittelsey Collection, 1959), this piece offers a window into 1800s gender dynamics and legislative drama—perfect for pondering how cartoons shaped public opinion long before social media.