1840 Antique Satirical Print; Comus and The Lady! a Mask! by Doyle

Description: On offer: an original (i.e. not a later reproduction) scarce antique print "Comus and The Lady! a Mask!" A young woman seated on a throne (Queen Victoria), surrounded by revellers, who offer wines and fruit; two seated at a table at left (Lords Morpeth and Russell), one standing at centre left in the character of Comus (Lord Melbourne), with his left foot on the platform of the throne, holding a cup lettered with 'War'; at right, a man kneeling, holding a piece of paper lettered with 'Socialism' (Robert Owen), a man seen behind him (Joseph Hume), another man holding a cup lettered with 'Repeal' (Daniel O'Connell), and a satyr at far right holding a bowl with a boar's head, lettered with 'Chartism' (Mr Muntz); in background at left, two soldiers arriving to rescue the woman (Sir Robert Peel, Duke of Wellington). A satirical print in the series 'Political Sketches', published by Thomas McLean, 1821-1851. DATE PRINTED: Published 9 April 1840.SIZE: The printed area including titles is approximately 38 x 29 cm (15 x 11.5 inches) plus margins with a blank back (medium). ARTIST/CARTOGRAPHER/ENGRAVER: Drawn by John Doyle (1797-1868, who signed his work HB). Born in Dublin, he trained with the landscapist Gabrielli, and at the Royal Dublin Society's drawing school. Moved to London in 1822. Exhibited portraits at the R.A. until 1835 but finding little success began to work as a political satirical printmaker from 1827. Used the monogram 'HB' to sign a numbered series of 917 lithographs published 1829-51. PROVENANCE: Published in the series 'Political Sketches', published by Thomas McLean, (1821-1851). In 1827 Doyle began publishing political prints anonymously. From 1829-1851 Doyle published his well-known Political Sketches series, signing his work with the initials "HB" to hide his identity.TYPE: Antique lithograph printed on paper. VERSO: There is nothing printed on the reverse side, which is blank. CONDITION: Good; suitable for framing. Please check the scan for any blemishes prior to making your purchase. Virtually all antiquarian paper is subject to some normal aging due to use and time which is not significant unless otherwise stated. I offer a no questions asked return policy. AUTHENTICITY: This is an authentic antique print, published at the date stated above. I do not offer reproductions. It is not a modern copy. The term 'original' when applied to a print means that it was printed at the first or original date of publication; it does not imply that the item is unique. RETURNS POLICY: I offer a no questions returns policy. All I ask is that you pay return shipping and mail back to me in original condition. POSTAGE / SHIPPING COSTS: I only charge postage for the first print ordered. There is no additional postage charge if you order more than one print.BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Text from 'An Illustrative Key to the Political Sketches of H.B.', London 1844: This sketch conveys at once, and in the most lively and effective manner, the essence of a vast portion of what the opponents of the Melbourne government were saying and writing on the influence exercised by Lord Melbourne over the mind of his Royal Mistress; with this difference, however, so far as relates to Her Majesty, namely, that the juggler "Who thought to charm her judgment, as her eyes, Obtruding false rules prankt in reason's garb." did not succeed (so the sketch would imply), whereas the speakers and writers above alluded to, lamented that his success had been but too evident. Lord Melbourne as Comus, having succeeded in charming the Royal Lady into the seat, is offering her his cup inscribed with "War" by which it is intended to be understood that the policy which the queen had been persuaded to adopt respecting Egypt was very likely to lead to this result. On the left hand of Lord Melbourne is Lord John Russell offering fruit, and farther still to the left is the head of Lord Morpeth. The monsters forming "the midnight crew," are composed of Mr. Muntz (one of the Members for Birmingham), in the likeness of a hairy satyr, holding a dish in which lies a boar's head inscribed "Chartism." Mr. O'Connell flourishing a cup on which is written "Repeal," Mr. Hume, and a cadaverous wretch holding up a paper wherein is inscribed the word "Socialism." It will be recollected that Lord Melbourne's conduct in having introduced to Her Majesty's court, Mr. Robert Owen, the founder of the sect of Socialists, was animadverted upon with considerable severity by the Bishop of Exeter in the House of Lords, and by the journals of the Conservative party. In the back ground, behind Lord Morpeth and Lord John Russell, the Duke of Wellington and Sir Robert Peel, as the two brothers, are seen rushing in with drawn swords to rescue the lady, even as, in the character of Conservatives, they have rescued the Queen from the influence of the Whigs. (ref: British Museum). Please explore my ebay shop for more antique prints. Track Page Views With Auctiva's FREE Counter

Price: 24.99 GBP

Location: Marlow

End Time: 2025-01-15T16:09:48.000Z

Shipping Cost: 19.5 GBP