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John Freeth and his Circle, 1792 (oil on canvas)
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John Freeth and his Circle, 1792 (oil on canvas)
BIR186138 John Freeth and his Circle, 1792 (oil on canvas) by Eckstein, John (fl.1787-1838); Birmingham Museums and Art Gallery; (add.info.: This oil painting depicts members of the Jacobin Club which was a radical society broadly in favour of the Whig Party. The club met at John Freeths Coffee House in Bell Street, Birmingham. Freeth is seated second from the left in the front row. The members of St Pauls Lodge included John Freeth, who organised Freeths Circle, a discussion group of small masters and artisans; Midlands Enlightenment; also known as the Twelve Apostles; book club and debating society; from 1758; ); British, out of copyright
Media ID 22601626
© Bridgeman Images
Beer Bourgeois Bourgeoisie Businessmen Coffee House Discussion Drinker Enlightenment Ideas Notable Pipes Radicalism Smoker Sociable Tankard Merchant
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This oil painting, titled "John Freeth and his Circle, 1792" offers a glimpse into the vibrant world of the Jacobin Club in Birmingham during the late 18th century. Painted by John Eckstein, it showcases a group of influential individuals who gathered at John Freeth's Coffee House on Bell Street. The composition captures an atmosphere of intellectual exchange and camaraderie as these men engage in lively discussions over wine and tobacco. Seated second from the left in the front row is John Freeth himself, a prominent figure known for organizing Freeth's Circle—a gathering of skilled craftsmen and artisans. The members of St Pauls Lodge, also referred to as the Twelve Apostles, were part of this enlightened society that fostered ideas and promoted political radicalism. In this scene filled with smoke-filled air and clinking tankards, one can sense both intellectual stimulation and conviviality. The painting reflects not only their love for debate but also their appreciation for literature, with books scattered across the table hinting at their literary pursuits. Eckstein masterfully captures each individual's distinct character through meticulous brushwork—be it a thoughtful poet or a shrewd merchant. This artwork serves as an important historical document showcasing English Enlightenment during this period. Displayed at Birmingham Museums and Art Gallery, this remarkable piece invites viewers to step back in time and immerse themselves in an era where coffee houses served as hubs for sociable gatherings that fueled revolutionary ideas.
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