[Folly of the times] [graphic].

Description

Title: [Folly of the times] [graphic].
Alternative Title: Life is a jest
Contributor: Gay, John, 1685-1732.
Published / Created: [1775?]
Publication Place: London?
Publisher: publisher not identified
Abstract: Depicts two bearded figures in classical attire (possibly Tragedy and Comedy), the former leaning on a tomb while the latter gestures laughingly at a cracked and broken globe on which the countries of France, Canada and Great Britain are identified. A satyr (the Devil), stands holding his scythe before the globe, whence from the broken area of Great Britain emerges a procession of persons mounted on hobby horses, including royalty, clergy, and a man carrying a ship model and bags of money. Time flies above, lifting the curtain on the scene, while a putto with a bubble-pipe flies towards the globe. Within the bubble is a representation of Fortune. On the ground a monkey accosts an owl, while to the right an open scroll proclaims "Life is a jest," a possible reference to John Gay's Epitaph
Description: Title supplied by cataloger.
Sheet cropped within plate mark.
Mounted to 20 x 14 cm.
Provenance: Leverhulme-Auchincloss Collection.
Extent: 1 print : image 15.3 x 10.6 cm
Language: English

Genre: Engravings England London 1775
Etchings England London 1775
Material: etching & engraving ;
Resource Type: still image
Subject (Geographic): England
Subject (Topic): Social conditions
Subjects: England > Social conditions > 18th century
England > London > 1775

Access: Public
Rights: The use of this image may be subject to the copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) or to site license or other rights management terms and conditions. The person using the image is liable for any infringement.