The extinguisher, or, Putting out the great law-luminary

description below

“Eldon’s head rests on a candle-end which is in an elaborate candle-stick of gold plate, standing on the ground. Wellington (left), in uniform, reaches up to cover it with a huge extinguisher inscribed ‘Catholic Bill Majority 168’; he says: ‘Thus I obscure you, ne’er to shine again.’ Eldon looks to the left, registering intensive melancholy; rays from his head, obstructed on the left by the extinguisher, strike against the profile of George IV, whose head, shoulder, and paunch project from the right margin, leaning towards the candle. The King says ‘Poor Old Bags!’ (Cf. British Museum Satires No. 12883.)”–British Museum online catalogue.

  • Printmaker: Jones, Thomas Howell, active 1823-1848, printmaker.
  • Title: The extinguisher, or, Putting out the great law-luminary [graphic] / T.J. fect.
  • Publication: London : Pubd. 1829 by S.W. Fores, 41 Picadilly [sic], [April? 1829]

Catalog Record

829.04.00.18+

Acquired January 2022

What a nice bit!

A large black woman, smiling in her sleep, lies in a bed surrounded by bedcurtains. She wears a cap and earrings, and her large breasts hang out over her nightclothes. A thin old, white man also in nightclothes and a night cap ogles her by the candlelight from the candlestick he holds in his right hand.

  • PrintmakerNewton, Richard, 1777-1798, printmaker.
  • TitleWhat a nice bit! [graphic] / R. Newton delin.
  • PublicationLondon : Pub. by W. Holland, Oxford St., July 8, 1796.

Catalog Record

796.07.08.01+

Acquired May 2017

A patent extinguisher, being a safe & easy mode of putting out a candle

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Aquatintlwlpr34666-776x1024

Drawing

An old woman dressed in her nightcap and gown, her one breast hanging exposed from her gown, climbs into bed in which her husband already lies. She expels gas from her bottom in the direction of the candle on the ground in front of the fireplace with such force that it lifts the cat off the ground and bends the candle. Above the fireplace is a broadside entitled: The storm by Mr. Dodd, cease rude boreas balstering railes … On the table below the window (left) is a bowl labeled “Pease porridge” and a wig on a stand. On the ground at her feet lies a corset, shoes and other garments. Above the bed are boxed and breeches; a man’s coat is hung on the back of the chair to the right of the hearth.

  • CreatorNixon, John, -1818, artist.
  • Title:A patent extinguisher, being a safe & easy mode of putting out a candle.
  • Production:[London, ca. July 1801]

Catalog Record & Digital Collection (Aquatint)

Catalog Record & Digital Collection (Drawing)

801.07.00.05+ & Drawings N736 no. 7

Acquired July 2016