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Smoak Jack the alarmist, extinguishing the second Great Fire of London (a la Gulliver)!!!, 1819
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Smoak Jack the alarmist, extinguishing the second Great Fire of London (a la Gulliver)!!!, 1819
Smoak Jack the alarmist, extinguishing the second Great Fire of London (a la Gulliver)!!!, 1819. Alderman Atkins stands on balcony of Mansion House directing a jet of water on little Jacobins below who have set fire to London. He was Lord Mayor of London in 1818
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Media ID 15177118
© London Metropolitan Archives (City of London) / Heritage-Images
Ablaze Alderman Alderman Of London Arson Arsonist Atkins Burning Cruikshank Extinguishing Firefighting Flame Flames George Cruikshank Gown Hose Lord Mayor Of London Dousing
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This 19th-century caricature print captures the dramatic scene of "Smoak Jack the alarmist, extinguishing the second Great Fire of London (a la Gulliver)!!!". The artist, George Cruikshank, portrays Alderman Atkins standing on the balcony of Mansion House during his tenure as Lord Mayor of London in 1818. In this satirical artwork, Atkins directs a powerful jet of water towards a group of little Jacobins below who have set fire to London. The image is filled with vibrant colors and intricate details that depict the chaos and urgency surrounding this fictional event. The burning flames engulf buildings in the background while smoke billows into the sky. Alderman Atkins wears an elaborate robe befitting his position, symbolizing authority and power as he fights against this imagined threat. Cruikshank's cartoonish style adds a touch of humor to an otherwise serious subject matter. Through satire, he highlights political tensions and societal fears prevalent during that time period. This etching serves as both entertainment and social commentary, reflecting Britain's concerns about crime and arson. Preserved by Guildhall Library and Art Gallery, this historical artifact offers us a glimpse into 19th-century England's political climate while showcasing Cruikshank's artistic talent. It reminds us how art can capture significant moments in history while providing insight into society's values and anxieties at that time.
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