The political Frankenstein

Image not available
Robert Seymour
1798-1836
The political Frankenstein
wood-engraving
2 9/16 x 3 1/8 inches
Purchased by J. Pierpont Morgan, 1900.
Peel 2176
Published: 
[London] : [William Strange], [ca. 1834]
Provenance: 
Formerly owned by Sir Robert Peel.
Notes: 

Probably detached from one of four issues of Whiggeries and waggeries, London : William Strange, 1834. This publication reprinted wood engravings by Robert Seymour, Robert Cruikshank, and others which had previously appeared-- often with different captions-- in Figaro in London, also published by Strange. The identical image appeared in Figaro in London, no. 21, 1832, with the same title.

Summary: 

The Reform Bill sits awaiting the 'vital spark', while Grey, as Frankenstein, 'a student of political alchemy', stands over it, his task completed. The tube of a retort is in the creature's mouth, while Brougham (left) blows with bellows the fierce fire under the retort. Looking in through the panes of a Gothic window (left) is the frightened head of a servant, Wetherell, who like 'his mercenary employers' regards the Bill as a monster. As before the arms are 'Schedule A' and 'Schedule B', the legs '[Prope]rty' and 'Population'.

Artist page: 
Classification: 
Department: