A block for the wigs - or, the new state whirligig
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
A block for the wigs - or, the new state whirligig
A block for the wigs - or, the new state whirligig. Cartoon shows a carousel on which sit government ministers Charles Fox, Lord North, Edmund Burke and Admiral Keppel. Beam in the center of the carousel platform is a pillar topped by a bust of King George III, a wig and Union Jack suspended over the bust. In the background two robbers lower a large bundle from the window of a building. An inscription above the cartoon reads Poor John Bulls house plunder d at noon day.. Date 1783 May 5th. A block for the wigs - or, the new state whirligig. Cartoon shows a carousel on which sit government ministers Charles Fox, Lord North, Edmund Burke and Admiral Keppel. Beam in the center of the carousel platform is a pillar topped by a bust of King George III, a wig and Union Jack suspended over the bust. In the background two robbers lower a large bundle from the window of a building. An inscription above the cartoon reads Poor John Bulls house plunder d at noon day.. Date 1783 May 5th
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Media ID 7263839
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10588265
EDITORS COMMENTS
1. Title: "A Block for the Wigs - or, The New State Whirligig: A Satirical Caricature of the British Government's Corruption and Scandals in 1783" This intriguing and thought-provoking cartoon, titled "A Block for the Wigs - or, The New State Whirligig," dates back to May 5, 1783, and offers a fascinating glimpse into the political climate of the time. The image depicts a carousel, with four government ministers - Charles Fox, Lord North, Edmund Burke, and Admiral Keppel - seated on it. The central beam of the carousel platform is topped by a pillar bearing a bust of King George III, a Union Jack, and a wig. In the background, two robbers are seen lowering a large bundle from a building window, with an inscription above the scene reading "Poor John Bull's house plundered at noon day." The carousel metaphorically represents the British government, with the ministers as its riders. The wig and Union Jack suspended above the king's bust symbolize the corrupt and self-serving nature of the ruling elite, while the robbers in the background allude to the widespread perception of government officials as being involved in various scandals and plundering the wealth of the common people, represented by "John Bull's house." The title "A Block for the Wigs" suggests that the people are seeking to put a stop to this corrupt behavior, perhaps through some form of political upheaval or revolution. This satirical print offers a captivating insight into the political discourse of the late 18th century, highlighting the public's frustration with the perceived corruption and self-interest of the British government. It serves as a reminder of the power of political satire in holding those in power accountable and sparking public debate.
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