A minister, possibly the Chancellor, holds out a large magnifying glass in his right and and gestures with his left hand. He is wearing a long coat and a long powdered wig. He addresses John Bull: Look through this glass Mr Bull and behold your future prosperity, looking towards a cloud within which the future is foretold. In the cloud John Bull is depicted in seven different scenarios: drinking unadulterated porter, free from taxes, smoking Trinidad tobacco, talking French & grown quite a fine gentleman, eating cinnamon from Ceylon, free from care, and with bread at 6d the quarter loaf. John Bull says: 'what be all those people I see. Mercy on us so many good things will be more than I can bear'. His companion replies: 'Look through this glass Mr. Bull & behold your future prosperity, it magnifies but very little I assure you'.
Alternative Title:
John Bull peeping into futurity
Description:
Title etched below image., Date of publication inferred from dates given in the British Museum catalogue for other prints after Woodward that were likewise etched and published by Roberts. Cf. Nos. 9729, 9850, and 9965 in the Catalogue of prints and drawings in the British Museum. Division I, political and personal satires, v. 8., Sheet trimmed within plate mark., and Not in the Catalogue of prints and drawings in the British Museum. Division I, political and personal satires.
Publisher:
Pubd. by P. Roberts, 28 Middle Row, Holborn
Subject (Geographic):
Great Britain
Subject (Name):
Eldon, John Scott, Earl of, 1751-1838
Subject (Topic):
National characteristics, English, Colonies, John Bull (Symbolic character), Hand lenses, and Ethnic stereotypes
