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John Bulls three stages, or, From Good to Bad & From Bad to Worse
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John Bulls three stages, or, From Good to Bad & From Bad to Worse
695585 John Bulls three stages, or, From Good to Bad & From Bad to Worse, 1815 (hand-coloured engraving) by Cruikshank, George (1792-1878); The Geffrye Museum of the Home, London, UK; (add.info.: Charting the poverty suffered by the middle classes of England resulting from the heavy taxation that funded the Napoleonic Wars (1803-15).); eGeffrye Museum; English, out of copyright
Media ID 23228390
© Geffrye Museum / Bridgeman Images
Diners Dining Room Domestic Life Everyman Hardship John Bull Napoleonic Wars Social Commentary Taxation Taxes Dine Meal Time
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This hand-coloured engraving by George Cruikshank, titled "John Bulls three stages, or, From Good to Bad & From Bad to Worse" offers a poignant commentary on the impact of heavy taxation during the Napoleonic Wars. The image depicts three distinct stages of John Bull's life, symbolizing the journey from prosperity to destitution. In the first stage, we see John Bull enjoying a lavish meal in a well-furnished dining room. He represents the British middle class at their best - content and prosperous. However, as we progress through the stages, we witness his decline into poverty and hardship. The second stage portrays John Bull in a less opulent setting with meager food on his table. The once comfortable surroundings have been replaced by signs of struggle and deprivation. This transformation reflects how heavy taxation has eroded his wealth and wellbeing. Finally, in the third stage, John Bull is depicted as emaciated and desperate. His dining table is completely bare, emphasizing his dire circumstances resulting from excessive taxes imposed for war funding. Cruikshank's satirical approach highlights not only the financial strain faced by ordinary citizens but also serves as social commentary on government policies that disproportionately burdened those already struggling to make ends meet. This print serves as a reminder of historical hardships endured by everyday people during times of conflict and raises important questions about economic inequality and its consequences for society at large.
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