Mercury, Argus and Io [graphic].

Description

Title: Mercury, Argus and Io [graphic].
Creator: Seymour, Robert, 1798-1836, printmaker
Contributor: McLean, T. publisher.
Published / Created: [1 December 1834]
Publication Place: London
Publisher: T. McLean
Abstract: A satire on British reform efforts using the story of Io, who was abducted by Jupiter and changed into heifer. The figure of Mercury, wearing winged sandals and hat and holding two horns, stands on the right looking down at a large sleeping man with glasses (Argus). Next to the sleeping man is a newpaper entitled "The Radical Pr[ess]" and a box with the words "One Hundred Eyes or Fifty Pair of Green Spectacles" written on it; at his feet rests a club with the word "Agitation" on it. In the shadows in the background is a cow (Io), with the word "REFORM" on its side. Next to the cow on the left is a horned figure (Pan?).
Description: Title from text below image.
Attributed to Robert Seymour in the British Museum online catalogue.
Publisher from publisher's statement "Published on the first of every month by Thos. McLean, 26 Haymarket, London" on first page of magazine; date of publication from series numbering "Vol. 5th, Decr. 1, 1834" on first page of magazine. See British Museum online catalogue, registration no.: 1868,0808.12350.
Four lines from Ovid's Metamorphoses printed beneath image, two on either side of title: While Hermes pip'd & sung & told his tale, the keepers winking eyes begun to fail. And drowsy slumber on the lids to creep, till all the watchman was at length asleep. Ovid's Metam. B. 1.
Fourth page of a monthly magazine that consisted of four pages.
Provenance: Brian Maidment; July 2024.
Extent: 1 print : sheet 35.9 x 25.5 cm.
Extent of Digitization: This object has been completely digitized.
Language: English