Politeness

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James Gillray
1756-1815
Politeness
[London] : Pubd. by J. Aitken No. 14 Castle Street Leicester Sqr, [1779?]
etching, hand-colored
image: 168 x 251 mm; sheet: 194 x 260 mm
Peel 2333
Provenance: 
Formerly owned by Sir Robert Peel.
Inscription: 

Library's copy inscribed throughout in ink with translations of the title, caption verses, and lettering into French.

Notes: 

Artist and date from George.
A different state of BM 5612, not recorded in George, lacking the H. Humphrey imprint and with the Aitken's imprint present and intact.
Library's copy trimmed within plate mark.

Summary: 

"A more elaborate version of British Museum satire no. 5611 drawn with more freedom. A joint of beef hangs on the wall behind John Bull; a bundle of frogs behind the Frenchman. The Frenchman holds an open snuff-box instead of a bowl of soup; a laced hat is under his arm; he wears a bag-wig. John Bull's tankard is inscribed "John Bull the Buttock of Beef. . ." Beneath the design is etched: "With Porter Roast Beef & Plumb Pudding well cram'd, Jack English declares that Monsr may be D--d. The Soup Meagre Frenchman such Language dont suit, So he Grins Indignation & calls him a Brute.""--British Museum online catalogue.

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