The Liberation Society, 1873. Artist: Joseph Swain

The Liberation Society, 1873. Artist: Joseph Swain

The Liberation Society, 1873. The Archbishops of York and Canterbury carry a scroll entitled Auricular Confession. Behind them, Edward Miall thanks them for their support. This cartoon illustrates how ritualism in the Church of England was causing concern. In May, an Anti-Ritualist Petition, seen on the floor, had been presented to the Archbishop at Lambeth Palace. This besought the Church to exercise its authority to eliminate rituals seen to be Catholic, and thus undermining Protestant principles, from Anglican ceremonies. Mr Miall had long been a critic of the Church. He was the author of The British Churches in Relation to the British People in 1849. This had been very critical of the Churchs lack of relevance to the lives of the great mass of working people, describing three quarters of ministers as ignorant and schooled in corruption and worldliness. From Punch, or the London Charivari, July 12, 1873

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Media ID 14831660

Archbishop Archbishop Of Canterbury Archbishop Of York Bishop Church Of England Edward Heritage Image Partnership John Tenniel Joseph Swain Petition Scroll Short Sir John Tenniel Swain Tall Tenniel

COLLECTIONS

> Europe > United Kingdom > England > Canterbury

> Europe > United Kingdom > England > London > Boroughs > Lambeth

> Europe > United Kingdom > England > London > Politics > Related Images

> Europe > United Kingdom > England > London > Towns > Lambeth

> Europe > United Kingdom > England > Palaces

> Europe > United Kingdom > England > Politics

> Europe > United Kingdom > England > York

> Popular Themes > Politics

EDITORS COMMENTS
In this print titled "The Liberation Society, 1873, " we are transported back to a significant moment in British history. The artist, Joseph Swain, skillfully captures the essence of the era through his satirical cartoon. The scene depicts two towering figures - the Archbishops of York and Canterbury - carrying a scroll entitled Auricular Confession. Behind them stands Edward Miall, expressing gratitude for their support. This artwork serves as a visual representation of the growing concern surrounding ritualism within the Church of England during that time. At its core, this cartoon symbolizes an ongoing struggle between Catholic and Protestant principles within Anglican ceremonies. It highlights how rituals deemed too Catholic were seen as undermining Protestant values and prompted an Anti-Ritualist Petition presented to the Archbishop at Lambeth Palace earlier that year. Edward Miall's presence in this illustration is noteworthy due to his long-standing criticism of the Church. As author of "The British Churches in Relation to the British People" in 1849, he had been vocal about what he perceived as a lack of relevance from three-quarters of ministers who were described as ignorant and corrupt. Through monochrome engraving techniques, Swain brings depth and character to each figure portrayed in this piece. The attention to detail emphasizes not only their physical appearances but also their roles within society and religion. "The Liberation Society" print stands as a testament to both artistic prowess and historical significance by shedding light on religious tensions prevalent during Britain's 19th century.

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