Home > Mary Evans Prints Online > New Images August 2021
Cartoon - The True Kings Bench
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Cartoon - The True Kings Bench
Cartoon - The True Kings Bench - a carpenter.
early 19th century
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 23044362
© Mary Evans Picture Library
Bench Carpenter Carpentry Kings Manual Shavings True Vice Vices Wordplay
The True Kings Bench - A Carpenter's Tale
EDITORS COMMENTS
- This early 19th century cartoon, from the extensive collection of Mary Evans Picture Library, offers a humorous take on the daily life of a carpenter at work. The title "The True Kings Bench" is a clever play on words, as a "king's bench" is a term used in English law for a court of justice, while in this context, it refers to the large workbench where the carpenter rules over his domain of wood and tools. The carpenter, dressed in traditional work clothes, is intently focused on his task, with a pile of freshly sawn wood shavings at his feet. He holds a plane in one hand and a mallet in the other, both tools firmly gripped as if in a battle of precision and control. The vice, a common tool used to hold wood in place while being shaped, is depicted as a regal throne, complete with a crown and scepter, further emphasizing the carpenter's mastery over his materials. The carpenter's expression is serious, yet the cartoon's overall tone is lighthearted. The use of puns and wordplay in the title adds an element of wit and charm, making this image an intriguing glimpse into the past. The focus on manual labor and the intricacies of carpentry serve as a reminder of the skill and dedication required in trades that have since been largely overshadowed by industrialization. This cartoon is a testament to the rich history of visual storytelling and the enduring appeal of the artisanal spirit. It offers a unique perspective on the daily life of a craftsman during the early 19th century, making it an invaluable addition to any collection of historical imagery.
MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
