Thomas Rowlandson
1756-1827
The Westminster mendicant
Published
[London] : Publd. 11th [May] 1784 by H. Humphrey, No. 227 Strand, [1784]
etching
image: 176 x 144 mm; plate mark: 212 x 151 mm; sheet: 213 x 149 mm
Peel 2499
Notes
Title etched below image.
Printmaker and month of publication from British Museum catalogue.
Four lines of verse below title: Ye Christians charitable, good and civil, pray something give to this poor wandering devil ...
Plate issued in James Hartley's History of the Westminster Election (London : Printed for the editors, 1784), facing page 196.
Library's copy trimmed within plate mark.
Printmaker and month of publication from British Museum catalogue.
Four lines of verse below title: Ye Christians charitable, good and civil, pray something give to this poor wandering devil ...
Plate issued in James Hartley's History of the Westminster Election (London : Printed for the editors, 1784), facing page 196.
Library's copy trimmed within plate mark.
Provenance
Formerly owned by Sir Robert Peel.
Summary
"A blind beggar, Sir Cecil Wray, is led (right to left) by his dog, round whose neck hangs a 'Subscription Box'. He supports himself by a long staff; in his left hand is the dog's cord, and under his left arm is a larger box, inscribed 'Subscription Scrutiny Box'. He sings: "Pity the Weak, and Needy pray, Oh pity me, I've lost the day." Behind the dog is a placard inscribed: "See here the Dog, of all his kind, The fittest for a Beggar blind, The Beast can bark or grunt as Hog. His name is Churchill - Oh the Dog!"."--British Museum online catalogue.
Associated names
Humphrey, Hannah, active 1774-1817, publisher.
Peel, Robert, 1788-1850, former owner.
Peel, Robert, 1788-1850, former owner.
Artist
Classification
Department
Century prints
Catalog link