Hercules Cleaning the Augean Stable.The Figure on the Pedastal is the Symbol of bribery, Corruption & Hypocrisy.
[Illustration to the Politcal Register, 1768.]
Engraving, sheet 200 x 120mm (8 x 4¾"). Trimmed to plate on right. Thread margins left and top.
A satire on the hope of John Wilkes (1726-1797) cleaning bribery and corruption from the house of commons. Wilkes as Hercules leaps over the fallen figure of Discord to seize the arm of the Speaker, Sir John Cust (1718-1770), while MPs' flee in all directions. In the front, to right, is Fletcher Norton (1716-1789), holding a bag of money while other coins fall from his pocket as he steps over the mace, lettered "A Mere Bauble" (quoting Oliver Cromwell (1599-1658). In the background, on a pedestal decorated with the mournful figure of Britannia, a bloated figure squats over "Magna Charta". It has three heads, a wolf, a snake and a sheep; one outstretched hand is in the form of a claw, the other holds a bag of money. Behind this figure, Lord Bute (1713-1792), emerges raising hands in shock at the sight of the scene.
BM Satires 4186
[Ref: 58439] £70.00
Engraving, sheet 200 x 120mm (8 x 4¾"). Trimmed to plate on right. Thread margins left and top.
A satire on the hope of John Wilkes (1726-1797) cleaning bribery and corruption from the house of commons. Wilkes as Hercules leaps over the fallen figure of Discord to seize the arm of the Speaker, Sir John Cust (1718-1770), while MPs' flee in all directions. In the front, to right, is Fletcher Norton (1716-1789), holding a bag of money while other coins fall from his pocket as he steps over the mace, lettered "A Mere Bauble" (quoting Oliver Cromwell (1599-1658). In the background, on a pedestal decorated with the mournful figure of Britannia, a bloated figure squats over "Magna Charta". It has three heads, a wolf, a snake and a sheep; one outstretched hand is in the form of a claw, the other holds a bag of money. Behind this figure, Lord Bute (1713-1792), emerges raising hands in shock at the sight of the scene.
BM Satires 4186
[Ref: 58439] £70.00