Wellington and Peel, in the roles of the body-snatchers Burke and Hare, suffocating John Bull; representing the extinguishing by Wellington and Peel of the constitution of 1688 by Catholic Emancipation. Coloured etching, 1829.

Date:
[1829]
Reference:
662572i
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About this work

Also known as

Burkeing the constitution of England!!!!!

Description

John Bull lies on a bed, resting his head on a tick-covered bolster. The Duke of Wellington tries with his left hand to asphyxiate him and with his right to restrain John Bull's left arm. John Bull's legs are grasped by Robert Peel, who says "Do make haste I'm sure I heard a noise". Wellington replies "Don't be alarmed friend Hare its only the doctors coming for the body you are a young hand at it, and have not seen such black deeds as I have, the old man will die easily for he has been long ailing". Outside the devil and the Pope are seen through a window: the devil puts his arm round the Pope and says "I think my old friend we've got them all now". The Pope replies "Yes yes, fast enough, only make sure of John Bull and all is right"

Publication/Creation

[London] (65 The Quadrant) : J. Field, [1829]

Physical description

1 print : etching, with watercolour ; image and border 24.5 x 34.3 cm

Lettering

Burkeing the constitution of E-g-d!!!!!

References note

British Museum, Catalogue of political and personal satires, vol. XI, London 1954, no. 15709 (imprint obliterated)

Reference

Wellcome Collection 662572i

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