The See-Saw (El balancín)

The See-Saw is an overdoor piece, the companion of Boys Climbing a Tree and Chicken Fights.

Some children are playing on an improvised see-saw made from two crossed logs. We can make out five figures: those at either end of the log, a third who is in front of them, crying, and in the background two more in conversation. The differences between the two children on the see-saw are obvious. Their distinct social positions are reflected in their clothing: the one on the left is dressed in an elegant yellow suit and perfect silk socks, whilst the other is wearing more modest clothes, and - as an additional symbol of his impoverishment - even his sock has slipped down. What is more, the wealthier child has his feet on the ground and is in control of the see-saw, his arms flung up in joy, whilst his playmate is suspended in the air with a scared look on his face, holding on for dear life.

Tomlinson has seen in several of the cartoons in this series a figurative representation of political instability and luck, this latter so fickle that no sooner does she lift you up to the top than she is flinging you back down to earth.