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Robert Seymour
1798-1836
Shearing the black sheep
Published
[London] : [William Strange], [ca. 1834]
wood engraving
65 x 83 mm
Peel 2118a
Notes
Probably detached from one of four issues of Whiggeries and waggeries, London : William Strange, 1834. This publication reprinted wood engravings by Robert Seymour, Robert Cruikshank, and others which had previously appeared-- with different captions-- in Figaro in London, also published by Strange. The identical image appeared in Figaro in London, no. 8, 1832, with the title Shearing of the political black sheep.
Provenance
Formerly owned by Sir Robert Peel.
Summary
Brougham holds across his legs a fat black-faced sheep, with a bishop's wig and lawn sleeves, grasping the tail, which is inscribed "Plurality", and using shears whose blades are "Schedule A" and "Schedule B", he clips coins from the fleece which fall in a pile. Behind are sheep already shorn, one having the face of the Duke of Cumberland, another that of Eldon. Large money-bags are inscribed "£40000, 50000, 30000." In the background is a church tower with a Union flag.
Associated names
Peel, Robert, 1788-1850, former owner.
Strange, W. (William), publisher.
Cowie, G. (George), printer.
Strange, W. (William). Whiggeries and waggeries.
Strange, W. (William). Figaro in London.
Strange, W. (William), publisher.
Cowie, G. (George), printer.
Strange, W. (William). Whiggeries and waggeries.
Strange, W. (William). Figaro in London.
Artist
Classification
Department
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