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Westminster School or Dr Busby settling accounts with Master Billy and his Playmates, pub
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Westminster School or Dr Busby settling accounts with Master Billy and his Playmates, pub
2962526 Westminster School or Dr Busby settling accounts with Master Billy and his Playmates, pub. 1785 (hand coloured engraving) by Gillray, James (1757-1815); Private Collection; (add.info.: Richard Atkinson (1738 - 1785); Edmund Burke (1730 - 1797); Charles James Fox (1749 - 1806); Frederick North, Earl of Guildford (1732 - 1792); Sir Richard Hill (1732 - 1808); William Pitt (1759 - 1806); John Robinson (1727 - 1802); Richard Brinsley Sheridan (1751 - 1816); ); The Stapleton Collection; English, out of copyright
Media ID 22797334
© The Stapleton Collection / Bridgeman Images
Bare Bottom Beating Birch Bottom Buttocks Chamber Pot Chastisement Corporal Punishment Flagellating Flagellation Justice Political Satire Scales Whig Whipping Birching Scarring
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EDITORS COMMENTS
The hand-coloured engraving titled "Westminster School or Dr Busby settling accounts with Master Billy and his Playmates" by James Gillray captures a satirical scene filled with political figures of the time. In this comical yet controversial artwork, we witness a moment of corporal punishment taking place within the walls of Westminster School. Dr Busby, portrayed as an imposing figure, is seen settling accounts with Master Billy and his mischievous playmates. The room is adorned with various symbols of power and justice, including scales and a statue in the background. The boys' bare buttocks are evenly balanced over Dr Busby's knee as he administers discipline using a birch rod. Amongst those being punished are prominent politicians such as Edmund Burke, Charles James Fox, William Pitt, and Richard Brinsley Sheridan. This clever inclusion adds another layer to the satire by highlighting their perceived wrongdoings or questionable actions. Gillray's masterful use of caricature brings humor to an otherwise serious subject matter while also making a political statement about corruption within society. The artist's attention to detail is evident in every stroke of the engraving, capturing not only physical features but also emotions ranging from fear to amusement. This print serves as both entertainment and social commentary on power dynamics during that era. It reminds us that even those in positions of authority can face consequences for their actions – no one is exempt from accountability.
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