Blockheads [graphic].

"Folding frontispiece to "A Political Lecture on Heads, alias Blockheads!! A Characteristic Poem: . . .Drawn from Craniological Inspection, after the Manner of Doctors Gall and Spurzheim, of Vienna. By Don Juan Asmodeus. London. Printed for the Author, and Published by John Fairburn, 2, Broadway, Ludgate-Hill (Price One Shilling)." Ten half length caricature portraits arranged in two rows, and, except for the last two, in separate compartments, each illustrating a section of the verse-satire. The date is after Peterloo (16 August 1819), see British Museum Satires No. 13258, and before the King's death (29 Jan. 1820). [1] 'Derry-Down-Triangle', Castlereagh, with ass's ears, his head, adorned by a tiny gibbet, turned in profile to the left, holds up a scourge. On a scroll is the motto 'EIREN·GO·BRAY' (see British Museum Satires No. 13301). [2] 'State Jackal', Canning, directed to the left, holds a pistol in each hand. On his head is a triangle, bells hanging from its apex as from a fool's cap. Behind him is a package inscribed 'Lisbon 20.000 weight'. For his much-attacked mission to Lisbon see British Museum Satires No. 12872, for the duel with Castlereagh, British Museum Satires No. 11370, &c. [3] 'Quack Doctor' [cf. British Museum Satires No. 9849], Sidmouth, in profile to the left, holds a pike on which is speared a ball inscribed 'Circular Pills' [see British Museum Satires No. 13282, &c.]. On his head is a pestle and mortar inscribed 'Drugs for John Bull'. At his back is a large 'Bible' (like Liverpool he was an Evangelical). [4] 'Chancery Jack', the shoulders of Eldon, who scowls to the right, emerge from a 'Coal Tub' (as son of a Newcastle hoastman or coal-broker). He wears wig and gown, across his forehead is a bandage inscribed 'In Chancery'; from his mouth issues the word 'Equity'. [5] Liverpool, in profile to the left, spoons into his mouth liquid from a bowl of 'Water Gruel for the Poor' held in his left hand. On his head is a round tea-tray inscribed '£4.000'; on this are two cups and an urn inscribed 'Cordial Tea'. [6] 'Croaking-Frog--' Croker sits, pen in hand, in profile to the left; on his head is a frog. At his shoulder is a flag inscribed Dry . Rot . In . Navy' above two broken anchors. He says "Fal de Raltit," and before him is a paper: 'Talavira [sic] Algiers 2000'. He has an oddly shaped seat, resting his arm on a 'Quarterly Review', above a longer (curved) block inscribed 'Couriers'. (He was Secretary to the Admiralty, see British Museum Satires No. 12310, author of 'Talavera', a leading contributor to the 'Quarterly', and (with Arbuthnot) manager of the Press for the Ministry.) [7] 'Dunderass--' Lord Melville (First Lord of the Admiralty), in tartan, is in profile to the left, holding a pinch of snuff. Across his chest is a broad band: 'Pickings of Dad 60.000 [see British Museum Satires No. 10377, &c.] Place 10.000.' He wears a curious head-dress topped by a man-of-war surrounded by smoke. [8] 'Waterloo-Man--' Wellington, so styled by Hone, see British Museum Satires No. 13302, stands in profile to the left, wearing a cocked hat on which stands a cannon. He holds a dagger transfixing a bleeding heart; behind his back is a bundle inscribed 'Iquisition' [sic], across his chest is a placard: 'Coruption [sic] Prize . Money £60.000 Allowances £200.000 &c &c.' The text is a savage attack, e.g.: His soldiers 'sav'd the Spanish nation'; | Sav'd them--to send them to perdition | By 'Ferdinand's' crust [sic] 'Inquisition' [see British Museum Satires No. 13009] and (on Waterloo): The 'General' he'd not aught to do | But scenes of triumph to review [having lingered in Brussels]. For the campaign against pensions see British Museum Satires No. 12781, &c. [9 and 10] 'Chere-Amie', Lady Hertford in profile to the right, holds a sceptre and wears a crown-like coronet. She offers the Regent a large goblet of 'Noyau', saying, "Take another sup my Jewel. Grand-Lama--" The Regent leans back tipsily, his eyes almost closed. A little demon, holding a firebrand, flies towards him, flinging a noose at his head. See British Museum Satires No. 11853."--British Museum online catalogue