A night scene (or early morning) in a London street. A countryman responds to the advances of two young prostitutes, one of whom takes a handkerchief from his coat-pocket. They are lit by the lantern hanging in a watchman's box; the aged watchman sleeps, leaning his arms on the half-door. Behind, in shadow, are the houses. Below the title: Careful Observers, studious of the Town, Shun the Misfortunes that disgrace the Clown. Gay's Trivia.--British Museum online catalogue.
Description:
For a description of the original imprint see no. 10646 Catalogue of prints and drawings in the British Museum. Division I, political and personal satires, v. 8., Imperfect; Original imprint statement partially burnished out and scratched through but legible., and Title etched below image.
Subject (Name):
Auchincloss, Hugh Dudley--Ownership. and Harvey, Francis--Ownership.
"A bogus wizard stands raising his wand while a grotesque figure, in answer, snorting fire, emerges in clouds of smoke from a rectangular aperture in the floor (left), dagger in one hand, cup of 'poison' in the other. The dupe, an ugly man in old-fashioned dress, watches terror-struck, while a woman picks his pocket from behind a curtain. A magic circle, with toad, skull, &c, a cat, a book with cabalistic signs, a stuffed crocodile suspended from the ceiling, give the required atmosphere."--British Museum online catalogue.
Alternative Title:
Raising the devil
Description:
Title etched below image.
Subject (Name):
Ackermann, Rudolph, 1764-1834, publisher., Auchincloss, Hugh Dudley--Ownership., and Harvey, Francis--Ownership.
"A stout and ragged woman, typical of St. Giles, bawls her broadsides inscribed: 'Last Dying Speech and Confession of the unfortunate Malefactors who were executed this Morning'. She stands full-face, one hand to her cheek, a pouch suspended from her neck hangs over her apron. She wears a cloak, and one foot is bare. Behind her is the corner of a house; in the doorway stands a young woman holding an infant; a little boy beside her looks up at the bawling woman, as does a dog. In the middle distance a little boy takes a handkerchief from a pedestrian's pocket. Behind (right) are houses."--British Museum online catalogue.
Alternative Title:
Cries of London ; no. 3 and Last dying speech and confession
"Three tax-collectors beset a house door, on which is a plate: 'Doctor Humbug', and above: 'Advice Gratis.' An elderly man holds the knocker, a ring in a lion's mouth, and looks up at the window above where two heads peer out: a grotesque aged couple wearing nightcaps. On the lintel stands a pestle and mortar, inscribed 'Hippocrates.' On the house are two bills: 'The Goodwill of this House to be disposed of for Particulars enquire' - and 'The Budget opened or how to raise the Wind for the Year 1805.' The tax-collector holds a large open book: 'Window Tax Income Property House Tax'; under his arm is another book;..'Tax-Servants-Horses.' Papers inscribed 'Tax' and 'Taxes' project from his coat-pocket. Beside him, a man holding a paper points his pen viciously at the open window. A third man stands close behind holding a large book inscribed 'Dog Tax.' On the extreme left a woman carrying an infant begs, looking up at the window; a little boy beside her holds out his hat for alms to the tax-collector. On the right a fat man gapes up at the window while a little boy picks his pocket of a hankerchief. The house is at a corner, and from its wall a lamp with oil, spilling it on the people below. In the background (right) are tall, old-fashioned houses, all the windows, except in the top floor and attics, are 'Block'd Up'; one is 'To Lett.'"--British Museum catalogue.
Alternative Title:
Clamorous tax gatherers
Description:
Printmaker from British Museum catalogue. and Title etched below image.
Subject (Name):
Auchincloss, Hugh Dudley--Ownership., Harvey, Francis--Ownership., and Howitt, Samuel, 1765?-1822, publisher.
Subject (Topic):
Beggars. , City & town life., Pickpockets. , Poor persons., and Taxes.
