John Wolcot (Peter Pindar) with a copy of his 'Odes' in his pocket, shrinks from an approaching gentleman with a paper labelled 'pension'. Etching attributed to T. Rowlandson, ca. 1787.

  • Rowlandson, Thomas, 1756-1827.
Date:
1787
Reference:
579695i
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Description

Wolcot was originally a country surgeon's son who led a bohemian life on the confines of society. He began his career as a physician but was later ordained in the hope of a living. Wolcot had an eye for art and discovered and trained the painter Opie, with whom he came to London in 1781 on condition that he received half of Opie's profits. They quarrelled and Wolcot was forced to make a living from his satirical jibes, the most successful of which was his 'Ode upon Ode' of 1782. His success was hampered by legal threats and negotiations for a pension which broke down as the verse below indicates

Publication/Creation

1787

Physical description

1 print : etching ; platemark 17.8 x 25 cm

Lettering

Ah let me sire refuse it - I implore - I ought not to be rich whilst you are poor. Pension

Bibliographic information

Off-setting on the verso of the impression catalogued indicates that it may have been used (as a frontispiece?) in a publication of 'Peter Pindar's Works'

References note

Not found in British Museum, Catalogue of political and personal satires, London 1870-1954 (cf BM no. 8367)

Reference

Wellcome Collection 579695i

Type/Technique

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