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Railway Mania, 1845. Creator: Alfred Crowquill
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Railway Mania, 1845. Creator: Alfred Crowquill
Railway Mania, 1845. Speculators hang on to the tail of a long-haired troll-like creature riding a steam locomotive, the personification of Railway Mania. Written and illustrated by Alfred Crowquill: Railway Speculation has become the sole object of the world - cupidity is aroused, and roguery shields itself under its name, as a more safe and rapid way of gaining its ends. Abroad, as well as at home, has it proved the rallying point of all rascality - the honest man is carried away by the current and becomes absorbed in the vortex - the timid, the quiet, the moral, and he who " has no speculation in his eyes, " are at last, after some slight hesitation, caught in the circle of the whirlpool as it expands, and they follow in the giddy whirl with as much excitement as those whom they have watched with pity and derision. From " Illustrated London News", 1845, Vol VII
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Media ID 20550096
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Alfred Alfred Crowquill Alfred Henry Alfred Henry Forrester Craze Crowquill Crowquill Alfred Forrester Forrester Alfred Henry Funny Investment Investor Investors Mythical Beasts Mythical Creatures Mythological Creature Obsessed Obsession Personification Personifying Railway Line Railway Track Railway Tracks Railways Silly Speculation Speculator Steam Locomotive Train Train Track Illustrated London News Mania Mythical Beast Mythical Creature
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print, titled "Railway Mania, 1845" created by Alfred Crowquill, captures the essence of the speculative frenzy that gripped Britain during the mid-19th century. In this satirical illustration, we see a long-haired troll-like creature riding a steam locomotive, symbolizing Railway Mania itself. The speculators desperately cling to its tail as they are carried away by their insatiable greed. Crowquill's artwork vividly depicts how railway speculation became an all-consuming obsession for people from all walks of life. The image conveys the idea that even honest individuals were swept up in this whirlpool of financial madness. As cupidity is aroused and roguery shields itself under the guise of investment, both moral and timid individuals find themselves caught in the expanding vortex. The artist's use of caricature adds a touch of humor to this otherwise serious subject matter. Through his clever portrayal of mythical creatures personifying Railway Mania, Crowquill highlights the absurdity and folly behind such rampant speculation. Published in "Illustrated London News" in 1845, this engraving serves as a scathing commentary on society's infatuation with railways at that time. It reflects not only British fascination but also international interest in railway investments. Alfred Crowquill's work continues to be appreciated today for its artistic merit and historical significance. This print stands as a reminder of how easily human nature can succumb to irrational exuberance when faced with new opportunities for wealth accumulation.
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