A man divided by a line down the middle that represents liberty on the right and anti-liberty on the left, with explanations of each half on his coat pockets and in ribands running down his legs. Engraving, 1769.
- Date:
- Dec 21 1769
- Reference:
- 582604i
- Pictures
About this work
Description
The figure wears the hat of liberty which is upturned to read 'I am the times'. On the body of the hat are two running horses, with their jockeys, one of whom exclaims, 'Devil take the hind-most'. The reference to 'Divorces' refers to those of the Duke of Grafton, Viscount Bolingbroke and Lord Grosvenor. The figure holds a scroll of the 'Magna Charta'. His face bears the resemblance of Lord Bute on the left side and John Wilkes on the right. His coat which is tartan on the left bears two men fighting on the right and a crown with coins on the left.
Publication/Creation
[London](on the pav'd stones, St. Martins Lane) : published as the Act directs by T. Marks, Dec 21 1769.
Physical description
1 print : engraving ; sheet 35.3 x 29 cm
Lettering
The times. Taken from an original character which appeared at the masquerade at Lincoln Dec 21 1769.
Lettering on the left of the image describes 'The back front ... fundamental grievances', lettering within the righthand scroll describes 'Explanation of the colour ... Roses at the knees & shoes/right-side, white, left-side, red'. There is further extensive lettering on the figure which represents opposing political issues of the day
References note
British Museum, Catalogue of political and personal satires, vol. IV, London 1978, no. 4315
Reference
Wellcome Collection 582604i
Type/Technique
Languages
Where to find it
Location Status Access Closed stores