Political Satire Collection (#11)

France, engraved by C. Armstrong, from The Works of Hogarth, published 1833
KW281801 France, engraved by C. Armstrong, from The Works of Hogarth, published 1833 (litho) by Hogarth, William (1697-1764) (after); Private Collection; Ken Welsh; English, out of copyright

Caricature of the English Government, 1793 (coloured etching)
XIR218298 Caricature of the English Government, 1793 (coloured etching) by David, Jacques Louis (1748-1825); 24.2x39 cm; Musee de la Ville de Paris, Musee Carnavalet, Paris, France; French

The Frog and the Ox, illustration from Le Petit Journal, 30th December 1893
XIR217565 The Frog and the Ox, illustration from Le Petit Journal, 30th December 1893 (coloured engraving) by French School

Georges Clemenceau (1841-1929) juggling bags of English money, from Le Petit Journal
XIR192343 Georges Clemenceau (1841-1929) juggling bags of English money, from Le Petit Journal, 19th August 1893 (coloured engraving) by Meyer

In the Transvaal: the Capitulation of General Cronje, front cover of Le Petit Journal
XZO116051 In the Transvaal: the Capitulation of General Cronje, front cover of Le Petit Journal, 18 March 1900 (coloured engraving) by French School, (19th century); Private Collection; French

Self Portrait, from Gallery of Portraits, published in 1833 (engraving)
KW189057 Self Portrait, from Gallery of Portraits, published in 1833 (engraving) by Hogarth, William (1697-1764) (after); Private Collection; Ken Welsh; English, out of copyright

The Election II; Canvassing for Votes, engraved by Charles Grignion (1717-1810) 1757
XIR160435 The Election II; Canvassing for Votes, engraved by Charles Grignion (1717-1810) 1757 (engraving) (b/w photo) (see also 1997) by Hogarth, William (1697-1764); Bibliotheque Nationale, Paris

The Ballance or The Americans Triumphant 1766 (engraving) (b / w photo)
XJF105353 " The Ballance or The Americans Triumphant" 1766 (engraving) (b/w photo) by English School, (18th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

George Cruikshank, British caricaturist
George Cruikshank (1792-1878), British caricaturist. Cruikshank was born in London and served his apprenticeship with his father, a prominent caricaturist of the late 1790s

James Gillray, British caricaturist
James Gillray (1756-1815), British caricaturist. Gillray was mainly active in London from the 1780s to 1810, producing a large number of caricatures

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"Political Satire: Unveiling the Absurdities of Power and Society" Step into the world of political satire, where art becomes a weapon to expose the follies and hypocrisies of those in authority. From Jonathan Swift's "The King of Brobdingnag and Gulliver" to Hannah Humphrey's iconic prints, these works have stood the test of time as biting critiques on politics. In 1801, "Integrity retiring from Office. " captures a moment when moral values seem to vanish amidst power struggles. Meanwhile, "John Bull taking Luncheon or British Cooks cramming Old Grumble Gizzard with Bonne Chere" hilariously portrays gluttonous politicians feasting on their own greed. "The Extirpation of the Plagues of Egypt: - Destruction of Revolutionary Crocodiles" (1798) cunningly equates revolutionary chaos with biblical plagues. Similarly, "Britannia Between Scylla & Charybdis, or The Vessel of Constitution steered clear off, " warns against dangerous extremes that threaten stability. Amidst financial turmoil, "Bank Notes - Paper Money - French Alarmists - ah. Poor John Bull" mocks both economic fears and gullible citizens. In contrast, "The Twin Stars Castor and Pollux, " published in 1799 by Hannah Humphrey herself, playfully explores celestial symbolism within political discourse. With its hand-colored brilliance, "John Bull Ground Down" (1795) depicts an oppressed nation crushed under oppressive policies. On a lighter note, we find Dutch Cupid resting after planting oranges in "The Orangerie. " This satirical twist reveals how even love can be manipulated for personal gain. Traveling back further in time brings us to William Hogarth's masterpiece series titled "The Election. " Part II showcases intense vote canvassing during Britain's tumultuous years from 1754-55.