Lane, Theodore "The Long & the Short of the Tale. - or - the whole of the Concern. Sure such a pair were never formed to meet by Nature."

Theodore Lane (1800-1828). "The Long & the Short of the Tale. - or - the whole of the Concern. Sure such a pair were never formed to meet by Nature."

London: George Humphrey, January 1, 1821. Etching. Original hand color. 11 1/2 x 8 3/4. Very good condition. George: 14103. 

Joining the London caricature scene at its height, Lane worked with such notables as Pierce Egan, furnishing him with the illustrations for Life of an Actor, Peregrine Proteus. Prolific caricature publisher George Humphrey published more than forty of his caricatures of Princess Caroline and other public figures before his career tragically ended when he fell through a skylight to his death.

Largely self-taught as an artist, but a student of watercolors and miniatures, Theodore Lane (1800-1828), produced some splendidly scurrilous cartoons aimed at the Royal Family - and in particular at Queen Caroline, consort of George IV. George Humphrey (c. 1773-c. 1831) succeeded his aunt, Hannah Humphrey, as a print publisher and seller.

Caroline of Brunswick (1768-1821) was short and homely, and after the birth of a daughter, Princess Charlotte of Wales, her husband - who had had affairs with several London beauties - separated from her. Caroline, still Princess of Wales because her uncle and father-in-law George III still lived, began travelling through Europe, where she became involved with tall and handsome Bartolomeo Bergami. When her husband became King she returned to London, attempting to have a position at Court as Queen. Parliament tried to force her out on grounds of adultery with Bergami, but Lord Broughm's defense carried the day. The Queen died very shortly thereafter.