The life of William Cobbett, written by himself. 2d. plate

The life of William Cobbett, written by himself. 2d. plate

Item Information

Title:
The life of William Cobbett, written by himself. 2d. plate
Description:
This series of bitter satirical prints against the grand radical of the day are parodies on the autobiographical sketch in his own Register, published during this year. They need little further explanation than that given in the inscriptions beneath each plate, the second of which represents him flying from the embarrassments into which he had run himself at home, and enlisting for a soldier (Wright/Evans). / Cobbett, dressed as a farmer, but with a favour in his hat and his short hair tied back into a scraggy tail, marches stiffly behind a recruiting Serjeant who marches with drawn sword, preceded by a little drummer-boy beating a large drum, both of whom wear plumed bearskins, smart uniform, and boots. They march with pointed toe; Cobbet follows, out of step, and with clumsily upturned toe; on his back is a rough knapsack. They march towards the sea where boats are being rowed out to a ship in full sail (right). Behind Cobbett (left) are his plough and two oxen. The field is neatly furrowed. Behind is a rocky hill on which stands a gibbet with an empty noose (BM).
Artist:
Gillray, James, 1756-1815
Name on Item:
Js. Gillray Inv. & fec.
Date:
September 29, 1809
Format:
Prints
Genre:
Etchings
Caricatures
Satires (Visual works)
Location:
Boston Public Library
Arts Department
Collection (local):
John D. Merriam Collection
Subjects:
Politicians
Farmers
Military personnel
Marching
Cobbett, William, 1763-1835
Extent:
1 print : hand-colored etching ; plate mark 38 x 22 cm
Permalink:
https://ark.digitalcommonwealth.org/ark:/50959/2z111h62h
Terms of Use:
No known copyright restrictions.
No known restrictions on use.
Publisher:
27 St. James Street London : Pubd. by H. Humphrey
Language:
English
Notes:
Title from item.
BM Satires 11373; Wright/Evans 359
Notes (date):
Date from item.
Notes (citation):
Stephens, Frederic George, George, Mary Dorothy. "Catalogue of Political and Personal Satires in the Department of Prints and Drawings in the British Museum." British Museum Press, 1870, London.
Wright, Thomas, R. H. Evans. "Historical and descriptive account of the caricatures of James Gillray." Benjamin Blom, 1968, New York.
Identifier:
18_17_000131
Barcode:
36666003787336