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The Friend of Humanity and the Knife-Grinder, published by Hannah Humphrey in 1797
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The Friend of Humanity and the Knife-Grinder, published by Hannah Humphrey in 1797
NCO191292 The Friend of Humanity and the Knife-Grinder, published by Hannah Humphrey in 1797 (hand-coloured etching) by Gillray, James (1757-1815); Courtesy of the Warden and Scholars of New College, Oxford; (add.info.: illustration for a parody of Robert Southeys (1774-1843) Romantic poetry; scientist deigning to speak to commoner; ); English, out of copyright
Media ID 22599712
© Bridgeman Images
Anti Jacobin Propaganda Breeches Coarse Cottage Industry Crude Gentile Gentry Hanoverian Horse And Carriage Inventor Knifegrinder Lower Class Machine Magnanimous Philanthropist Philanthropy Piston Pulley Rags Refined Reformer Remouleur Social Satire Southey Top Hat Wheel Working Class Workshop Borough Of Southwark Verse
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The Friend of Humanity and the Knife-Grinder
EDITORS COMMENTS
is a captivating print that takes us back to 1797, a time when social classes were sharply divided. This hand-coloured etching, published by Hannah Humphrey, brilliantly captures the essence of James Gillray's satirical artwork. In this scene, we witness a scientist or philanthropist engaging in conversation with a common knife-grinder. The contrast between their appearances is striking – the refined gentleman in his top hat and breeches stands beside the humble worker covered in rags. It symbolizes the vast gap between the upper class and lower class during that era. Gillray's illustration serves as a parody of Robert Southey's Romantic poetry, highlighting superficial reforms and questioning true philanthropy. The scientist represents those who claim to be heroes for humanity but fail to understand or truly connect with ordinary people. The image also showcases various elements such as labour-saving devices like pulleys and pistons, which were seen as advancements at that time. However, it suggests that these inventions may have been crude solutions rather than genuine improvements for society. Through its intricate details and clever composition, "The Friend of Humanity and the Knife-Grinder" offers an insightful commentary on social satire and anti-Jacobin propaganda prevalent during Georgian times. It reminds us of how societal divisions can persist despite attempts at reforming systems or technologies designed to benefit all. This historical artwork from Fine Art Finder continues to captivate viewers with its thought-provoking narrative about class distinctions, power dynamics, and true acts of philanthropy amidst an ever-changing world.
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