Not Just Champagne: William Henry Hamilton Trud and His Diptych

The Victorian era gave the world not only technical inventions, but also outstanding works of art. They often played a key role in advertising and popularizing new products. One such work was the diptych “The Amazing Result”, created by the British artist William Henry Hamilton Trud in 1887.

This diptych is an example of how art became a marketing tool in the 19th century. In the center of the composition are two scenes, where the main characters are dogs involved in an awkward situation.

The first part of the diptych shows the moment when dogs try to open a bottle of carbonated liquid - lemonade/table water Schweppes. The second part shows an unexpected explosion under pressure. Artfully drawn details convey the unexpectedness of the moment: the animals jump back in fear, dodging splashes.

Bright colors, finely drawn movements and emotions of animals, as well as humorous presentation make the diptych attractive and memorable. The painting not only entertains the viewer, but also points out the qualities of the product: freshness, sparkle and novelty.

The explosion of the bottle depicted in the painting is not an accident, but a deliberate emphasis on the features of the product.

Schweppes, founded in 1783, was one of the first companies to produce carbonated drinks. Difficulties with storing and transporting such products in the 19th century sometimes led to the explosion of bottles due to high pressure. However, instead of hiding this drawback, the company decided to turn it into a marketing element.

Trud embodied the idea of ​​​​the "life and energy" of the drink with its art. The painting became part of a unique advertising campaign, thanks to which Schweppes gained even greater popularity. The perception of the manufacturer as something unusual and funny attracted the attention of not only adults, but also children.

William Henry Hamilton Trud (1848–1899) specialized in depicting animals, especially dogs, who often became the central characters in his works. The artist liked to capture them in funny or touching situations, giving them human characteristics. His works were very popular in England, where the love of pets was traditionally strong.

Trud masterfully combined realism and light humor, which made his paintings in demand in the commercial environment. His works were printed on postcards, calendars and advertising posters, allowing them to reach a wide audience.

Champagne exploding on New Year's Eve may be the first thing that comes to mind for a modern viewer when looking at this diptych. However, in the 19th century, it was Schweppes lemonade that was considered a symbol of sparkling fun, and Trud played a key role in its popularization.