Pretensions Collection

Cartoon, Dignity and Impudence or The Domestics Derision -- two servants look out from an upstairs window, laughing at the pretensions of a haughty woman and her dog

Handwriting and signature of Robert Burns, 1787 (pen & ink on paper)
KDC384146 Handwriting and signature of Robert Burns, 1787 (pen & ink on paper) by Burns, Robert (1759-96); Private Collection; (add.info)

The Gordon-Knot, or The Bonny Duchess hunting the Bedford Bull
NCO193177 The Gordon-Knot, or The Bonny Duchess hunting the Bedford Bull, published by Hannah Humphrey in 1797 (hand-coloured etching) by Gillray

Precocious Piggy (colour litho)
3098133 Precocious Piggy (colour litho) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Illustration for The Headlong Career)

Buddha & Dustman
SIDDHARTHA GAUTAMA, known as the BUDDHA ( Enlightened One ) He shows that he has relinquished aristocratic pretensions by befriending a low-caste refuse collector Date: 563? BC - 483? BC

Englishman of 1685
The body-coat has now become the universal fashion, as have the wide knee-breeches : wigs are universally worn by men with any pretensions to being in the swim Date: circa 1685

Street Tea Sellers
GENUINE TEA COMPANY A satire on the passion for tea drinking and the pretensions of the lower orders to middle class gentility

British Workman
A typical English worker of the lower middle class - specifically, a calico printers clerk - with some pretensions to gentility in his choice of clothes

Dancing Lesson at Home
A well-to-do family employ a dancing-master to teach them the quadrille - proficiency in dancing was a necessary accomplishment for anyone with social pretensions

ERASMUS MONTANUS
Holbergs satire Erasmus Montanus derides the intellectual pretensions of college-educated scholars. It is still produced today, its mockery as apposite as ever

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"Pretensions Unveiled: From Buddha to Dustman, a Cartoon Journey through Dignity and Impudence" In this captivating cartoon journey titled "Dignity and Impudence or The Domestics Derision, " the contrasting worlds of Buddha and Dustman collide. Hand-drawn with intricate pen and ink on paper by Robert Burns in 1787, it captures the essence of pretensions. Amidst the chaos, we witness an intriguing scene called "The Gordon-Knot, or The Bonny Duchess hunting the Bedford Bull. " This whimsical illustration showcases how even those in high society can fall prey to their own pretentious desires. But let's not forget about our mischievous friend, Precocious Piggy. With vibrant colors brought to life through lithography, he reminds us that sometimes even innocence can be masked by pretension. Traveling back in time to meet an Englishman from 1685 reveals his grandiose display of self-importance. His extravagant attire speaks volumes about his desire for social recognition. Moving forward into more contemporary times, we stumble upon "The Heir of the Ages" by James Payn. Through this engraved masterpiece, we witness how individuals strive for greatness while grappling with their own insecurities. At Festival Supreme Being, where masks are shed and true selves revealed under divine light; here lies a celebration free from any hint of pretense. It serves as a reminder that authenticity triumphs over false facades. On bustling streets filled with tea sellers and British workmen hustling day after day; they embody resilience amidst societal expectations. Their humble existence is proof that one need not pretend to be someone else when embracing their true identity brings contentment beyond measure. Within the confines of home lies another tale - a dancing lesson unfolds before our eyes. Herein lies both vulnerability and aspiration as individuals navigate between genuine expression and feigned elegance.