Tag: Cartoons

Anti-vaxers 1802

In this picture, Edward Jenner vaccinates a reluctant patient with cowpox matter to prevent the more serious smallpox. Meanwhile, those already vaccinated show many, er, unusual side effects from the process. Previously innoculations for smallpox involved cutting the skin and using actual smallpox matter. It was called variolation and was much riskier. The word vaccine comes from Jenner’s method and takes its name from “vacca,” the Latin word for cow. Then as now, new developments could be met with skepticism.

James Gillray, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Grown Ladies and Gentlemen Taught to Dance

Since properly brought up young ladies and gentlemen learned to dance before they were old enough to be out socially, one assumes this piece satirizes the rising middle class and their pretensions. Notice that “taught to dance” is italicized and followed by exclamation points. The people to the left appear to be learning posture tortuously as well.

Published by Wallis & Son, artist unknown. From the British Cartoon Collection of the Library of Congress via Wikimedia Commons.

Georgian Cartoon for May

Some thoughts

George IV’s attempts to rid himself of his wife absorbed the king, the country, and the press for much of 1820 and 1821. I love the look on the face of the man on the far right holding a pitcher that says, “Trial.”

Abstract:

Print shows George IV, “a conning stoker,” of some “Mischief brewing,” stirring up the “Flames of Persecution,” with “vengeance,” saying, “If this trial fail I’l brew no more.” Behind him is a vat “Filthy composition” into which flows “a pure stream to expose the secrets” which spills on a couple in an embrace, “How do you like it – non mi Ricordo.” Passing an open door is Caroline, “The brewers wife.” On the right are three men, one says, “Be just in all your dealings.” Another, holding a pitcher labeled “a trial” says, “I can’t swallow this, it is all froth.” The third says, “I wonder at our commander engaging in such a business.” Physical description: 1 print : etching, hand-colored. Notes: Forms part of: British Cartoon Prints Collection (Library of Congress).; Paper watermarked on lower right corner: 1820.; Title from item. Library of Congress Catalog: http://lccn.loc.gov/2004670128 

Retrieved from Wikimedia Commons