Candidates canvassing" for seats in Parliament [graphic]Elmes, William, active 1797-1820, printmaker[1812?]eng"A grotesquely ugly candidate (right) bows low, top-hat in hand, right hand pointing to his breast, before a sturdy and ragged rat-catcher, who stands facing him, scratching his forehead. The latter holds by a strap a rectangular cage of rats; across his shoulders, like a garter ribbon, is a broad band on which dead rats, or rat-skins, are extended (cf. British Museum satires No. 5099). Under his arm is a rod on which two rats are spiked, a pouch hangs from his shoulders, and he wears short gaiters. The candidate, apprehensive and deferential, says: "What my honest friend Lurcher--I have not had the pleasure of seeing you since last Election. we expect a severe contest this time, therefore "earnestly Solicit Your Vote and Interest and shall request the Honor of--Mr Lurcher's Company to Dinner at the Hog in the Pound. N.B. Dinner Ticket only .10s--6d." Close behind the candidate is his very ugly agent, holding a purse from which he is about to take a coin. Both wear spurred boots. The rat-catcher answers: "I see Your Honor bees mortal short of memory. You forget as how your Worships committed me to the County Jail for--a Month--"fro [sic] only Throwing a Sheeps Je at a Hare running a cross the Common. So your worship may if you please Call a gain to Morrow [a catch-phrase, cf. British Museum Satires No. 11207]." Two curs stand beside him. Behind is the corner of his cottage; over the door: 'Gs Lurcher Rat Catcher All sorts of Vermin destroyed'. A fat countrywoman stands on the door-step using a broom to dislodge two cats from the projection over the door. In the background (right) is a country inn with a sign on which a fat pig is depicted. A man leads two saddle-horses under the entrance to the courtyard; above is a placard: 'Neat Wines ...' In a bow-window punch-bowls and bottles are ranged."--British Museum online catalogueTitle etched below image.Printmaker identified as William Elmes in the British Museum catalogue.Publisher and date of publication from British Museum catalogue.Plate numbered "86" in upper right corner.Plate from: Woodward, G.M. Caricature magazine, or Hudibrastic mirror. London : Thomas Tegg, [1808?], v. 2.Also issued separately.In lower left corner of design: Price one shilling col'oured.Sheet trimmed within plate mark on top edge.