Taxman Collection

Someone Drops a Sixpence Near Somerset House - HM Bateman
H.M. Bateman had a particular loathing for the taxman as exemplified in this cartoon showing the inhabitants of Somerset House (then the home of the Inland Revenue)

Cartoon, The Liliput Levy on John Bull Gulliver -- a satirical comment on taxation putting the strain on John Bull (representing the middle-class British man)

Cartoon, Prosperous John! (high prices)
Cartoon, Prosperous John! John Bull, during an inflationary period, is overcome by high prices and high taxes, and not enjoying it one bit. 1872

Mesmerism, Rabbit vs. Stoat by H. M. Bateman
Cartoon by H. M. Bateman who frequently lampooned the tax man in his work. Here, a meek looking man looks rather like a rabbit, trembling under the intense

The Receiver of Taxes, after a woodcut in Praxis Rerum Civilium
STC214461 The Receiver of Taxes, after a woodcut in Praxis Rerum Civilium by Joos de Damhouder (1507-81) published Antwerp, 1557 (litho) (b/w photo) by Dutch School

The VAT taxman from Customs and Excise. February 1980

Painting titled Two TaxGatherers by Marinus van Reymerswaele, 16th century
Painting titled Two TaxGatherers by Marinus van Reymerswaele

The Conversion of St. Matthew (oil on canvas)
XIR231507 The Conversion of St. Matthew (oil on canvas) by Tornioli, Niccolo (1598-1651/2); 217x329 cm; Musee des Beaux-Arts, Rouen, France; Italian, out of copyright

Mean Collection, 1891 (oil on canvas)
BAL105692 Mean Collection, 1891 (oil on canvas) by Mrevlishvili, A. (19th century); 34x45 cm; Georgian State Picture Gallery, Tbilisi, Georgia; Russian, out of copyright

Gentleman storming out of a meeting with the Taxman
Gentleman storming out of a meeting with a (rather odious and bureaucratic-looking Taxman - " And Thats That!" Date: circa 1940s

Goldweigher, 17th century
Goldweigher. 17th-century artwork of a goldweigher, with a balance and accounts book, handing a bag of weighed gold to a kneeling assistant

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"The Taxman: A Historical Perspective on the Burden of Taxes" In this captivating collection of artworks and illustrations, we delve into the intriguing world of the taxman throughout history. From humorous cartoons to dramatic paintings, these visual representations shed light on the complex relationship between individuals and their tax obligations. We begin with HM Bateman's comical depiction titled "Someone Drops a Sixpence Near Somerset House, " where a passerby accidentally drops money near a government building, symbolizing how taxes can unexpectedly affect our lives. Moving forward in time, Francois Godefroy's painting "The Assault on John Malcolm" transports us to Boston in 1774 during a pivotal moment in American history when colonists rebelled against unjust taxation. Continuing our journey through artistry, we encounter satirical cartoons such as "The Liliput Levy on John Bull Gulliver, " which humorously portrays the burden that taxes impose upon ordinary citizens. In contrast, "Prosperous John. (high prices)" highlights how high taxation can lead to inflated costs for essential goods and services. H. M. Bateman returns with his mesmerizing artwork titled "Mesmerism: Rabbit vs. Stoat, " metaphorically representing taxpayers' struggle against relentless financial demands from authorities. Meanwhile, Marinus van Reymerswaele's masterpiece "Two Tax Gatherers" takes us back to the 16th century and reminds us that collecting taxes has been an age-old practice fraught with tension. Religious undertones emerge as we explore Caravaggio's iconic painting "The Conversion of St. Matthew. " Here, we witness one man's transformation from tax collector to follower of Christ—a powerful reminder that even those associated with unpopular roles can find redemption. Shifting gears towards more contemporary times, we observe society's discontentment captured in Gustave Caillebotte's poignant piece titled "Mean Collection. " This oil painting reflects public sentiment regarding excessive taxation and its impact on the common man.