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James Gillray
1756-1815
Politeness
[London] : Pubd. by J. Aitken No. 14 Castle Street Leicester Sqr, [1779?]
etching, hand-colored
image: 168 x 251 mm; sheet: 194 x 260 mm
Peel 2333
Notes
Artist and date from George.
A different state of BM 5612, not recorded in George, lacking the H. Humphrey imprint and with the Aitken's imprint present and intact.
Library's copy trimmed within plate mark.
A different state of BM 5612, not recorded in George, lacking the H. Humphrey imprint and with the Aitken's imprint present and intact.
Library's copy trimmed within plate mark.
Inscriptions/Markings
Library's copy inscribed throughout in ink with translations of the title, caption verses, and lettering into French.
Provenance
Formerly owned by Sir Robert Peel.
Summary
"A more elaborate version of British Museum satire no. 5611 drawn with more freedom. A joint of beef hangs on the wall behind John Bull; a bundle of frogs behind the Frenchman. The Frenchman holds an open snuff-box instead of a bowl of soup; a laced hat is under his arm; he wears a bag-wig. John Bull's tankard is inscribed "John Bull the Buttock of Beef. . ." Beneath the design is etched: "With Porter Roast Beef & Plumb Pudding well cram'd, Jack English declares that Monsr may be D--d. The Soup Meagre Frenchman such Language dont suit, So he Grins Indignation & calls him a Brute.""--British Museum online catalogue.
Associated names
Aitken, James, active 1788-1802, publisher.
Peel, Robert, 1788-1850, former owner.
Peel, Robert, 1788-1850, former owner.
Artist
Classification
Department
Century prints
Catalog link