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Seeings Believing, 1883. Artist: Joseph Swain
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Seeings Believing, 1883. Artist: Joseph Swain
Seeings Believing, 1883. Mr Punch watches approvingly as the President of the Local Government Board goes into the courts and alleys of Londons slums to see for himself the poverty in which so many of the capitals citizens lived. A dead cat (often used to illustrate the debris and effluent in streets and rivers) lies in the gutter and a ragged child is standing in the doorway. This follows the publication by the London City Mission of The Bitter Cry of Outcast London, by Andrew Mearns, earlier in the year. From Punch, or the London Charivari, December 1, 1883
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Media ID 14831849
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Alley Alleyway Andrew Cats Concern Doorway Feline Felines Heritage Image Partnership John Tenniel Joseph Swain Living Conditions Mr Punch Punch Punchinello Ragged Sir John Tenniel Slum Social Reform Social Reformer Swain Tenniel Living Quarters Mearns
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Seeing's Believing, 1883
EDITORS COMMENTS
is a powerful print that captures the harsh reality of poverty in Victorian London. Created by Joseph Swain, this engraving depicts Mr Punch, a symbol of social reform and satire, observing as the President of the Local Government Board ventures into the slums to witness firsthand the destitution plaguing the city's inhabitants. The image portrays a scene filled with despair and neglect. A dead cat lies in the gutter, serving as a poignant reminder of the filth and squalor that permeated London's streets and rivers. In contrast, a ragged child stands in a dilapidated doorway, representing countless innocent lives trapped in these abysmal living conditions. This artwork was inspired by Andrew Mearns' publication "The Bitter Cry of Outcast London" which shed light on the dire circumstances faced by many citizens. It serves as an indictment against societal indifference towards those suffering from poverty. Swain's masterful use of monochrome adds depth to this nineteenth-century caricature while emphasizing its somber tone. The collaboration between Swain and renowned illustrator John Tenniel further enhances its impact. "Seeing's Believing" remains an enduring testament to both artistic skill and social consciousness during this era. Through this evocative print, viewers are compelled to confront their own complicity in perpetuating such injustices while also recognizing the urgent need for change within society.
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