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The Friend of Humanity and the Knife Grinder, 1797 (hand-coloured etching)
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The Friend of Humanity and the Knife Grinder, 1797 (hand-coloured etching)
BAL42770 The Friend of Humanity and the Knife Grinder, 1797 (hand-coloured etching) by Gillray, James (1757-1815); O Shea Gallery, London, UK; (add.info.: Illustration of Southwark MP George Tierney (1761-1830) meeting a knife-grinder set over the poetic parody of Robert Southey (1774-1843) by Frere and Canning published in the second number of the Anti-Jacobin.
Published by Hannah Humphrey.); English, out of copyright
Media ID 23257870
© Bridgeman Images
Barrow Breeches Coarse Commoner Contrast Hanoverian Juxtaposition Lower Class Machine Member Of Parliament Philanthropy Prosperity Rags Refined Reformer Social Satire Southwark Top Hat Wheel Working Class Workshop Bearded Craftsman Verse
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The Friend of Humanity and the Knife Grinder
EDITORS COMMENTS
is a captivating hand-coloured etching by James Gillray that offers a satirical commentary on the stark contrast between social classes in Georgian England. The image depicts Southwark MP George Tierney engaging with a knife grinder, symbolizing the juxtaposition of privilege and poverty. Gillray's masterful use of satire highlights the disparity between those who hold power and wealth, represented by Tierney in his refined attire and top hat, and those who toil away in menial labor, embodied by the coarse-looking knife grinder. The cartoon-like depiction adds an element of humor to this thought-provoking artwork. The scene also references Robert Southey's poem parody published in Anti-Jacobin, further emphasizing the political undertones present within this piece. Through clever visual storytelling, Gillray critiques societal norms while shedding light on issues such as philanthropy, reformer movements, and class struggles during this era. This print serves as a powerful reminder of the challenges faced by working-class individuals amidst prosperity enjoyed by higher echelons of society. It invites viewers to reflect upon themes like social inequality and calls into question whether true empathy exists among politicians for their less fortunate constituents. "The Friend of Humanity and the Knife Grinder" remains an enduring work that continues to resonate today due to its timeless exploration of human nature and societal dynamics.
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![Robert Southey and his daughter[s], 1824 (w / c on paper)](/sq/690/robert-southey-daughters-1824-w-c-paper-22956448.jpg.webp)
