Accuser Collection

191213

The Westminster Hunt, published by 1788 (hand-coloured etching)
NCO191200 The Westminster Hunt, published by 1788 (hand-coloured etching) by Gillray, James (1757-1815); Courtesy of the Warden and Scholars of New College

Nineveh Sculptures (engraving)
1609212 Nineveh Sculptures (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Nineveh Sculptures. Illustration for The Illustrated London News, 21 November 1857)

Trial of Wicliffe, illustration from The History of Protestantism
619629 Trial of Wicliffe, illustration from The History of Protestantism by James Aitken Wylie (1808-1890), pub. 1878 (engraving) by English School

The Friendly Agent, published by S. W. Fores in 1787 (etching)
NCO191276 The Friendly Agent, published by S.W. Fores in 1787 (etching) by Gillray, James (1757-1815); Courtesy of the Warden and Scholars of New College

Madame Sarah Bernhardt at "Cleopatra"at the Royal English Opera-House (engraving)
1056220 Madame Sarah Bernhardt at " Cleopatra" at the Royal English Opera-House (engraving) by Paget, Henry Marriott (1856-1936) (after); Private Collection; (add.info)

Cunibertas Defender
When Cuniberta, queen of the Lombards, is accused of misbehaviour, her champion challenges her accuser and defeats him in single combat

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In the realm of art and literature, the accuser takes center stage, revealing tales of betrayal, deceit, and justice. From ancient Nineveh sculptures to modern engravings capturing Madame Sarah Bernhardt's captivating performance as Cleopatra at the Royal English Opera-House, the motif of accusation weaves its way through history. One such depiction is found in an illustration from "The History of Protestantism, " showcasing the trial of Wicliffe. The accused stands before his accusers, their eyes filled with determination to prove him guilty or innocent. Similarly, William Blake's powerful works portray war as a battleground for accusations - theft, adultery, murder - where truth becomes obscured amidst chaos. Delving into fables and folklore reveals more instances where characters face accusations. In illustrations for the Roman de Renart series dating back to 1650/1655, animals accuse one another before their king - a fox blamed for murder by a rooster seeking justice for his chickens; a wolf joining forces with others against the cunning fox. Yet not all accusations end in trials or allegorical battles. The haunting image of four sergeants executed in La Rochelle on September 21st, 1822 serves as a reminder that real-life consequences can follow false allegations. Through these diverse artistic representations spanning centuries and cultures emerges a common thread: human nature's inclination towards pointing fingers when faced with wrongdoing. Whether it be historical events immortalized in engravings or animal protagonists embroiled in moral dilemmas within literary masterpieces like "The Roman de Renart, " accusing remains an intrinsic part of our collective narrative. As we reflect upon these depictions and contemplate our own roles as accusers or defenders against injustice today, may they serve as reminders to seek truth above all else – lest we become entangled in webs spun by deceitful tongues or fall victim to misguided judgments ourselves.