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Laurence Eusden
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Laurence Eusden
LAURENCE EUSDEN Churchman who obtained the post of Poet Laureate by addressing verses of obsequious flattery to influential persons. Date: 1688 - 1730
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Media ID 14302713
© Mary Evans Picture Library
1688 1730 Addressing Churchman Flattery Influential Laureate Laurence Obsequious Obtained Verses Persons
EDITORS COMMENTS
1. Title: "Laurence Eusden: The Poet Laureate of Obsequious Flattery (1688-1730)" Laurence Eusden, a churchman born in the late 17th century, is best known for his audacious pursuit of the Poet Laureateship through the art of obsequious flattery. Eusden's life spanned from 1688 to 1730, an era marked by political and artistic upheaval in England. In this image, Eusden, dressed in the attire of a 18th-century clergyman, is depicted with a quill in hand and a parchment in front of him, symbolizing his poetic endeavors. The background reveals a grand, ornate room, hinting at the opulence and power that surrounded him as he sought favor from influential persons. Eusden's unconventional approach to securing the Poet Laureateship involved addressing verses of flattery to those in power. This tactic, though unscrupulous by today's standards, was not unheard of during the time. Eusden's poems were filled with effusive praise and adulation, designed to curry favor with the monarchy and other influential figures. His efforts paid off when he was appointed Poet Laureate in 1712. However, Eusden's tenure was not without controversy. Critics accused him of sacrificing artistic integrity for personal gain, and his works were often dismissed as shallow and insincere. Despite the criticism, Eusden's legacy endures as a reminder of the lengths some have gone to secure recognition and success. His story serves as a testament to the complex interplay of art, power, and ambition in the annals of history. This evocative print, from the extensive collection of Mary Evans Prints Online, offers a glimpse into the life of this intriguing historical figure, inviting us to ponder the role of flattery in the pursuit of artistic and personal achievement.
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