Home > Arts > Artists > T > John Tenniel
The Great Self-Taxed, 1873. Artist: Joseph Swain
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Heritage Images
The Great Self-Taxed, 1873. Artist: Joseph Swain
The Great Self-Taxed, 1873. The Liberal Chancellor of the Exchequer, Robert Lowe, makes off with a sack labelled Surplus £ 5, 000, 000. He is being heckled by a drunken representative of the working class. This cartoon refers to Mr Lowes 1873 Budget. He started with a surplus that allowed him to cut 1d of Income Tax, reducing it to 3d in the pound. The labourer is drunk because Mr Lowe had exempted from taxation all hotel servants and all those who dealt in intoxicating liquors. As Punch pointed out, the latter had made generous contributions to the Exchequer and were deserving recipients of such a reward. From Punch, or the London Charivari, April 12, 1873
Heritage Images features heritage image collections
Media ID 14831650
© The Print Collector / Heritage-Images
1st Viscount Sherbrooke Budget Chancellor Of The Exchequer Drunk Drunkenness Heritage Image Partnership Income Tax John Tenniel Joseph Swain Liberal Liberal Party Lowe Money Bag Robert Lowe Sherbrooke Sir John Tenniel Social Class Swain Taxation Tenniel Viscount Viscount Sherbrooke Working Class
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Arts
> Artists
> P
> D.J. Pound
> Arts
> Artists
> T
> John Tenniel
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Politics
> Related Images
> Popular Themes
> Money
The Great Self-Taxed, 1873
EDITORS COMMENTS
is a captivating political cartoon by Joseph Swain that offers a satirical commentary on the budget of Robert Lowe, the Liberal Chancellor of the Exchequer in 1873. In this engraving, we witness Lowe depicted as a mischievous figure making off with a sack labeled "Surplus £5,000,000" symbolizing his appropriation of funds from the public treasury. As Lowe flees with his ill-gotten gains, he is confronted by an intoxicated representative of the working class. This character represents the frustration and anger felt by ordinary laborers who were burdened with heavy taxes while witnessing certain privileged groups being exempted. The worker's drunkenness serves as both a metaphor for their marginalized position within society and an indictment against Lowe's policies. The cartoon highlights how Lowe reduced income tax rates but favored specific interest groups such as hotel servants and liquor dealers who were granted exemptions. Punch magazine cleverly pointed out that these contributors to government revenue deserved such rewards. Swain's monochrome illustration captures the essence of 19th-century British politics through its detailed portrayal of characters and symbols associated with finance and taxation. It reflects not only social class divisions but also critiques political decisions made during this era. This print provides us with valuable insight into historical events while showcasing Swain's artistic prowess in delivering biting satire through visual storytelling.
MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
