Arms of the boroughmongers, the Charles Street gang

Image not available
Robert Seymour
1798-1836
Arms of the boroughmongers, the Charles Street gang
wood engraving
2 3/4 x 3 1/2 inches
Purchased by J. Pierpont Morgan, 1900.
Peel 2134
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. 15, 1832, with the same title.

Summary: 

A burlesque of the Royal Arms with the addition of a fesse-point in which is a mitre, surmounted by a crown. The supporters are, dexter, a bloated angry bishop with a lion's tail, and, sinister, Wellington, a sword in his hand replacing the unicorn's horn; they stand on the motto 'Might Makes Right'. The oval shield is bordered by a heavy padlocked chain. In the first and third quarters are (tithe) pigs in place of leopards. The Lion Rampant in the second quarter has Cumberland's head; it grabs the crown surmounting the mitre. The Irish harp in the third quarter is bordered by a skeleton and has broken strings. The lion of the crest also has the head of Cumberland, crowned. Behind the motto are thorn-branches.

Artist page: 
Classification: 
Department: