12 Satire.pdf - Grosvenor Prints

design is engraved "Du Sein de la tyrannie naquit
l'Independence. M. A. Voltaire". 1779.
The punning title indicates the one success (in an
inglorious command) of d'Estaing (for Destin), the
taking of Granada, 4 July 1779, of which there is a
print in the Print Department called 'La Valeur
Récompensée'. It is evidently after the rupture of
relations with Spain 16 June 1779, and probably before
news of the failure of d'Estaing before Savannah Oct.
1779, after which he was superseded by de Grasse. The
print illustrates the importance attached by France to
the destruction of Anglo-American commerce, as well
as of English prestige and sea power.
BM:5581
Ref: 8595
681. [The Oracle - Representing,
Britannia, Hibernia, Scotia, & America, as
assembled to consult the Oracle, on the
present situation of Public Affairs, Time
acting as Priest, Dedicated to Concord.]
[Inv.t Drawn & Engrav'd by J. Dixon.] [Kempes Row
Facing Ranelagh Walk Chelsea].[30 March, 1774.]
Mezzotint 590 x 505mm. Very scarce. Trimmed to
image two printing creases one effecting the right
where the drapery comes down behind the indian
figure. Central crease vertically through the circle of
light. Nicks and tears and small crease around the outer
edges. £620
Important print in terms of American social history.
Time, with a magic lantern, throws upon a curtain an
allegorical vision of the triumph of Concord over
Discord, which he is showing to figures representing
Britannia, Hibernia, Scotia, and America. Time (left),
his scythe and two books on the ground beside him,
supports his lantern on a globe on which he leans his
elbow, he points at the vision on the curtain with his
left hand, his mouth open as if declaiming. On the
globe is a paper inscribed, 'Unite. Britannia', with her
shield and spear, sits between Hibernia (left) to whom
she turns, and Scotia. Hibernia's left arm is round
Britannia's shoulder, her harp is beside her. Scotia
stands looking at Time's vision. All are dressed in
pseudo-classical draperies in the manner of Reynolds,
those of Scotia being of tartan. Opposite them (right)
America sits on a bale of goods, another bale behind
her, representing the commerce of the colonies. She is
in three-quarter back view, gazing at the vision. She
has a feathered head-dress, is partly draped, like an
Amazon, with bare arms and legs; in her left hand is a
bow, a quiver of arrows is slung on her back.
In the circle of light thrown on the screen Concord is
putting Discord to flight. Concord, a crowned figure, a
star on her breast, bears a strong resemblance to
George III. Concord, holding out a bow reversed and
unstrung, advances (left to right) escorted by a winged
figure wearing a medallion on her breast which
resembles Britannia's shield. Behind walk together
Plenty (or Commerce) holding a cornucopia, and
Liberty holding up her staff surmounted with the
Phrygian cap of liberty. Last walks Truth holding up a
mirror, and Justice holding out scales. Cherubs fly
above their heads; the foremost holds up a drapery on
which is engraved 'Publick Credit'; three are holding up
an orrery. Before them flies Fame blowing her trumpet.
Before this procession (right) hag-like figures are being
put to flight. One has two faces, the fangs of a serpent
darting from one of the mouths. Another holds up a
serpent in his hand. A large coiled serpent hisses on the
extreme right. The circle of light from the lantern falls
on a heavily draped curtain.
John Dixon (1740 c. - 1811) mezzotint engraver who
had trained as a painter in Dublin then moved to
London in 1765 where he married a rich widow in
1775, and henceforth only engraved for amusement.
BM:5225; CS:38
Ref: 9043
682. Paul Pry among the Bankers. [Pry:]
Hope I don't intrude....if you don't find it
rather hard to make both ends meet...I
dare say you haven't stop'd payment eh? ...
[Banker:] ...take your Ballance...and put it
in a place of safety, if you can find one!
Pub. by Ingrey & Madeley. Lithoge. Office. 310 Strand
[n.d., c.1835].
Coloured lithograph, sheet 235 x 300mm. 9½ x 12".
£140
John Liston was the leading comic actor of the first
half of the 19th century. In 1825, with 20 years of
experience behind him, he created his masterpiece
character, Paul Pry, in John Poole's farce of the same
name. Pry is a man consumed with curiosity, an
interfering busybody unable to mind his own business.
Here he quizzes a banker about how he maintins his
bank as a going concern - a very topical subject!
With his striped trousers, hessian boots, tail coat and
top hat, Liston moulded Pry into a uniquely endearing
character. Most memorble was the umbrella that Pry
conveniently left behind everywhere he went so that he
would have an excuse to return and eavesdrop.
Ref: 8492
683. A Peep at A Peer _ or the Guildford
High Mettled Racer.
[n.d. c.1820].
Coloured etching, Sheet 234 x 334mm. 9¼" x 13¼".
Cut to image. £180