Butler Samuel Collection
"Butler Samuel: A Portrait of Wit and Satire" Step into the world of Samuel Butler, a renowned English poet and satirist who lived during the late 17th century
Hudibrass First Adventure (Twelve Large Illustrations for Samuel Butlers Hudibras, Plate 3), 1725-68
Hudibras Encounters the Skimmington (Plate 7: Illustrations to Samuel Butlers Hudibras), 1725-30 (?)
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"Butler Samuel: A Portrait of Wit and Satire" Step into the world of Samuel Butler, a renowned English poet and satirist who lived during the late 17th century. His sharp intellect and biting humor were captured in his famous work, "Hudibras, " which brought him both fame and controversy. In a captivating portrait painted around 1670-80, we catch a glimpse of Butler's enigmatic personality. The oil on canvas masterpiece reveals a man with piercing eyes that seem to hold countless stories within them, and is as if he knows something we don't, ready to unleash his wit upon an unsuspecting audience. One cannot mention Samuel Butler without delving into his magnum opus, "Hudibras. " This epic poem satirizes the religious hypocrisy prevalent in England at the time. Through twelve large illustrations accompanying the text, we witness Hudibras' misadventures alongside various characters like lawyers and politicians. In "Hudibras Triumphant, " plate four of these illustrations, we see our hero victorious over his adversaries. With clever wordplay and astute observations about human nature, Butler exposes society's follies while entertaining readers with laughter. Plate nine presents us with "Hudibras Catechized, " where satire meets social commentary head-on. Here, Butler questions societal norms through thought-provoking dialogues between Hudibras and other characters. He challenges established beliefs by highlighting their absurdity or contradictions. Butler's genius extends beyond words; it permeates every aspect of his work. In frontispieces for "Hudibras" illustrated editions, he provides explanations that guide readers through layers of meaning hidden within his verses – inviting them to unravel the intricacies beneath each line. The artistically rendered scene titled "Burning the Rumps at Temple Bar" showcases how deeply rooted satire was in Butler's writing style.