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1. The happy contrast [graphic].
- Published / Created:
- [approximately 1756]
- Call Number:
- 756.00.00.100+
- Image Count:
- 1
- Resource Type:
- still image
- Abstract:
- A piece of propaganda most likely produced during the Seven Years War which depicts the English army as well-fed (and watered), happy and in good spirits in contrast to the French who are shown beleaguered and in disarray. On the English side of this print (left) a finely dressed general stands proudly in the foreground, a large tankard in his right hand, and his left outstretched in a gesture of merriment. Behind him, a singing man raises his hat to the sky. They trample upon torn flags decorated with the fleur-de-lis. In the background men and women. The crowd that spills from the doorway of the “Cow & Bow” includes a bishop, a woman sitting on a man’s knee, and other couples in close embrace. The party continues in the upper floors of the public house, and from its balcony, where it is accompanied by the music of a violinist. The masts of ships at dock occupy the horizon. On the French side by contrast a dishevelled man in French military dress holds a hand to his face in desperation. The skull of a horse lies on the ground next to a prone soldier who holds his hand to his breast. One of the soldiers behind eats something non-descript, another crouches by a puddle, using his hat to scoop water and drink. Ranks of the French army are pictured on the left, and in the background masts of ships - some of which appear to be going up in flames. The verses below nicely describe ‘the happy contrast’ pictured: See here the Emblem of successful war; The bold brave soldier & the jolly tarr, With Cap & Can their hearty Joys express, While mirth and gladness brighten ev’ry face, The flowing Bowl goes merrily around, And their full bliss with smirking Girls is Crown’d. Here is display’d the Figure of Despair, And the dire Train of unsuccessful War, Here a poor famish’d soldier begs for Bread. Another there with Horses flesh is fed, Water & Wooden Shoes & skin & Bones. Their portion is; and their whole Army Skeletons
- Alternative Title:
- England triumpant, or, France in despair and France in despair
- Description:
- Title engraved below image., Approximate date of publication from internal content., Sheet trimmed within plate mark., Not in the Catalogue of prints and drawings in the British Museum., and Window mounted: 34 x 41 cm.
- Publisher:
- Printed for John Ryall in Fleet Street
- Subject (Geographic):
- Great Britain.
- Subject (Topic):
- Seven Years' War, 1756-1763, Public opinion, Armies, British, French, Soliders, Generals, Drinking vessels, Happiness, Taverns (Inns), Flags, Couples, Ships, Skulls, Starvation, and Thirst
- Found in:
- Lewis Walpole Library > The happy contrast [graphic].
