A Radical Reformer
Artist
Isaac Robert Cruikshank
(British, 1789 - 1856)
Publisher
Samuel William (S.W.) Fores
(British, 1761 - 1838)
Date1819
MediumEtching with hand coloring
DimensionsImage: 11 3/4 x 9 in. (29.8 x 22.9 cm)
Credit LinePurchased with funds provided by the Humanities Center
CultureBritish
Object numberPC2021.06.01
ClassificationsPrint Collection
DescriptionA bedraggled-looking William Cobbett -- a Tory radical, reformer, pamphleteer and Member of Parliament -- shoulders a sack bursting with bones (above which hover birds) inscribed "The Bones of Cuffee the Malefactor." A scroll unfurls from his pocket with the words: 'Mem—since I find I cannot succeed in Writing against Man I must follow my worthy Predecesser Paine & Write against God.' His speech bubble is inscribed: 'Men will learn to express all that is base, Malignant, Treacherous, Unatural & Blasphemous, by the single Monosyllable—Paine—written by me W. Cobbett—Intend paying my Old Debts by raising a subscription on these Relics, must be doing something, Cursed World, Kicked out of France, driven from America & obliged to run awy [sic] from England.' A noose dangles from a gibbet in the middle distance. This record has been reviewed by University Galleries staff but may be incomplete or contain errors. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. For any inquiries about the information listed, please email galleries@sandiego.edu.
1792
1792
2012
c. 1633
1968
