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Sir John Eldon Gorst sends 8th Duke of Devonshire into well
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Sir John Eldon Gorst sends 8th Duke of Devonshire into well
The Story of the Duke and the Bunnygorst (cont.). Spencer Compton Cavendish, 8th Duke of Devonshire (1833-1908) as a rather lazy layabout, pursued by Sir John Eldon Gorst (1835-1916) - lawyer and statesman (caricatured as a bunny rabbit) firing a large gun and sending the Duke tumbling into a well while the Young British Lion and (an elderly) Britannia look on in alarm. Date: 1899
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Media ID 11585071
© Mary Evans / Grenville Collins Postcard Collection
1899 Aims Alarmed Archetype Away Britannia Bunny Carruthers Cavendish Compton Critic Criticism Devonshire Elderly Eldon Fallen Falling Falls Fires Firing Flees Francis Gorst Gould Lampoon Lawyer Lion Politicians Rabbit Running Shoots Spencer Struwwelpeter
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In the late 19th century, British politics was a lively and often contentious arena, with politicians frequently becoming the targets of satirical caricatures. One such image, created by the renowned caricaturist Francis Carruthers Gould in 1899, depicts a humorous encounter between Sir John Eldon Gorst and the 8th Duke of Devonshire. The cartoon, titled "The Story of the Duke and the Bunnygorst," presents the Duke of Devonshire, portrayed as a rather lazy and indolent nobleman, being pursued by Sir John Eldon Gorst, who is caricatured as a bunny rabbit, complete with long ears and a mischievous grin. Gorst, a lawyer and statesman, is shown aiming a large gun at the Duke, who is frantically trying to flee from the scene. The Young British Lion and an elderly Britannia look on in alarm as the Duke tumbles into a well, having been "shot" by Gorst. This caricature was a lampoon of the political tensions between the two men at the time. The Duke of Devonshire, who was known for his lethargy and lack of interest in political matters, had been criticized by Gorst for his ineffectiveness in his role as Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. The caricatured portrayal of Gorst as a bunny rabbit was a reference to his nickname, "Bunnygorst," which was given to him due to his small stature and agile nature. The image is a prime example of the archetypal British political cartoon, using humor and satire to criticize and comment on the events and personalities of the day. It is a fascinating glimpse into the political climate of the late 19th century and the role of caricature in shaping public opinion.
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