Faces of Fortune and Folly Art Print

Capturing the exaggerated physiognomies of twenty men, arranged in pairs, facing each other in a study of contrast and character. The term nabob originally referred to British men who amassed wealth in India under the East India Company and returned home with newfound riches—and often, an air of arrogance. Caricatures like this one mocked their ostentatious ways, highlighting their perceived transformation from ordinary men into figures of excess, greed, and self-importance. Each face tells a different story: some stern and severe, others exaggeratedly grotesque, with wild hair or haughty expressions. This humorous yet biting commentary on colonial wealth and its effects remains a fascinating glimpse into 19th-century British satire.

These prints are printed on a fine quality ivory paper.

These are reproductions of old illustrations & in most cases will have the same imperfections as the original.