Radical Quacks Giving a New Constitution to John Bull!

Currently not on view

Radical Quacks Giving a New Constitution to John Bull!

1822

George Cruikshank (British, 1792–1878)

Cruikshank's print is representative of a recurrent theme in British political caricature: the nation (as personified by John Bull) portrayed as a sick patient being treated by physicians, getting worse as a result. Two radical members of parliament, Sir Francis Burdett and John Cam Hobhouse, are proposing various measures for parliamentary reform; their numerous drastic remedies including bleeding (a metaphor for excessive taxation), amputation, opiates, and various poisons.

Currently not on view

Object Details

Title:

Radical Quacks Giving a New Constitution to John Bull!

Date:

1822

Artist:

George Cruikshank (British, 1792–1878)

Medium:

Hand-colored etching

Dimensions:

Plate: 9 1/2 x 14 3/16 inches (24.1 x 36 cm) Sheet: 11 15/16 x 16 13/16 inches (30.3 x 42.7 cm)

Classification:

Prints

Credit Line:

The William H. Helfand Collection, 1988

Accession Number:

1988-102-64

Geography:

Made in London, England, Europe

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Currently not on view