BM12041-meditations-amongst-the-tombs-1813-0481
identifier:
BM12041-meditations-amongst-the-tombs-1813-0481
title:
Meditations amongst the Tombs
date:
May 1, 1813
description:
The Regent stands with flexed knees and raised hands staring at two open coffins, where the corpses of Henry VIII and Charles I are raising themselves to a seated position. An elderly man in black bestrides the nearer coffin, holding a pair of scissors and supporting the head of Henry VIII, which has great glassy eyes, and a fringe of beard. On the head is a flat Tudor cap, the body wears a shroud; round the neck is a chain of Maltese crosses. A coffin-plate is inscribed 'Henry VIII'. Charles I raises his decapitated head in both hands; the coffin is inscribed 'King Charles 1st'. Behind the Regent, McMahon stands on tiptoe on a closed coffin, so as to hold a torch above the Prince's head; he puts his left hand on his master's shoulder. From his coat-pocket hangs a huge purse inscribed 'PPP'. He is shown with a pimpled face, nutcracker profile, and an evil grin. Behind him the head and shoulders of the Devil appear from behind the coffin, emerging from an unseen pit, from which ascends a column of flame and smoke. Dialogue is in speech balloons over figures. Source: George.
description:
British Museum #12041
format:
25 cm x 35 cm
type:
Paper
type:
Etching, hand-colored
coverage:
London, England
relation:
LUCA2017.47 1813
subject:
Charles I, King of England
subject:
George IV, King of the United Kingdom
subject:
Henry VIII, King of England
subject:
Sir Henry Halford
subject:
Right Hon. Sir John McMahon
subject:
Tombs
subject:
Corpses
subject:
Satire
subject:
Great Britain
creator:
Cruikshank, George
relation:
Michalak Collection
source:
Loyola University Chicago Archives and Special Collections