The Force of Habit

This work is inscribed with the words: The Vicar's daughter "Oh, Papa dear, did you hear old Mr. Rogers snoring in his Pew this afternoon?" The vicar. "No, my love. During the Sermon, I suppose?" The Vicar's Daughter. "No! That's the funny part of it!" This cartoon was published in 'Punch' on 22nd December 1894. 'Punch' was a magazine founded in 1841 by writer Henry Mayhew and engraver Ebenezer Landells. The idea came from the French satire newsapaper, 'Le Charivari'. In homage, the first issue of 'Punch' was subtitled, ‘The London Charivari’. 'Punch' was internationally famous for its humour and wit. Its political and social cartoons captured English life in the 19th and 20th centuries. The term ‘cartoon’ previously referred to a preliminary sketch made for murals or stained glass windows. 'Punch' and other illustrated publications adapted the term and introduced the concept of ‘cartoon’ as we know it today.