"A French recruit (left), an English recruit (right) face each other in profile, both are standing erect in a soldierly way, but are in civilian clothes except for the favour in the Englishman's round hat, and except for the bulky knapsack of fur or skin which each wears. They are described in words engraved beneath the title: "Monsieur all ruffles no Shirt Wooden Pumps and Stockingless" and "Jack English with Ruddy face and belly full of Beef". The Frenchman holds a slim cane, the Englishman a stout cudgel. Behind the former (left) are frogs and rats or mice, behind the latter cows and sheep, to illustrate the supposed contrast between French and English fare."--British Museum online catalogue
Alternative Title:
Contrasted recruits
Description:
Title from item., Sheet trimmed., Reissue, with publisher's name added to the plate, of no. 5862 in the Catalogue of prints and drawings in the British Museum. Division I, political and personal satires, v. 5., and Date from print of same title; See British Museum satire no. 5862 which lacks imprint.
Publisher:
Sold by W. Humphrey, No. 227 Strand
Subject (Topic):
National characteristics, French, National characteristics, British, and Clothing & dress
"Figures representing the five countries who were at war. A tall Dutchman stands looking up with a face of despair, in his left hand he holds out a paper inscribed, "Eustatia lost, Oh! Oh!" He says, "I shall Die, I'm undone! My best hope is now gone!" A laughing English sailor (left) standing on his right holds a small bottle inscribed "Gin" to his nose, saying, "High & Mighty's [an allusion to 'Hogen Mogen', "the high mightiness", or the States General of the United Provinces] your Grief, Smell this for Relief." In his right hand he holds a netted purse taken from the Dutchman. On the right stand the other enemy powers: Spain, in slashed doublet, cloak, feathered hat, and top-boots, is reading a newspaper 'Gaze', ['London Gazette'] and sayings "If this News is true, It will make us all rue." Behind him are France (left) and America (right). France holds up his hands with an expression of alarm, saying, "St Eustatia by Gar, Vas de Storehouse of War." America, a slim youth, the most insignificant of the five, is saying, "America now, To Old England must bow.""--British Museum online catalogue
Description:
Title from item., Printmaker from British Museum catalogue., Sheet trimmed within plate mark., and Temporary local subject headings: Dutch island of St. Eustatius -- American Revolution -- Rodney seizing of the island.
Publisher:
Pubd. April 9th, 1781 by W. Humphrey, No. 227 Strand
Subject (Topic):
National characteristics, American, National characteristics, British, National characteristics, Dutch, National characteristics, French, National characteristics, Spanish, and Clothing & dress
