Tag Archives: Ceremonial maces

Civic combatants

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“Henry Hunt (right) hurls a jar of his ‘Hunts Matchless Blacki[ng]’ at the Lord Mayor (William Thompson). The Mayor, who wears his gown, raises the City mace defensively in both hands. Hunt registers frenzied rage; he holds a second jar in his left hand; at his feet is a paper: ‘Petition against increased Duty on Coals’. Just behind him is a pugnacious coal-heaver clutching a blacking-jar; he says: ‘Go it, my covey another black un–d–n me, if Blackey and Coaley can’t do it the devil’s in ’em.’ The Mayor smiles, despite a cascade of blacking. Behind him and on the extreme left is a barrister in wig and gown, probably the Recorder (Newman Knowlys). He says: ‘Mind what your at my hearty–keep up your favorite guard or he’ll beat you as black as his own factory.'”–British Museum online catalogue.

  • Printmaker: Phillips, John, active 1825-1831, printmaker.
  • Title: Civic combatants [graphic] / A. Sharpshooter fec.
  • Publication: [London] : Pub. by S. Gans, 15 Southampton St., Strand, June 1, 1829.

Catalog Record

829.06.01.08

Acquired June 2024

Out of court

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“Lady Conyngham chases Eldon from the royal precincts; she threatens him with the sceptre and a clenched fist, saying, Je le veut [sic]. She is décolletée, much bejewelled, and displays an elephantine leg and tiny foot. Close behind her stands Knighton, a pen behind his ear, his arm raised; he has just flung a massive gold inkpot decorated with the Royal Arms; ink falls on Eldon’s head. He says: take that, & that, & that, le Roy le veut. ‘Roy’ is scored through. Canning stands behind impassively, hand on hip, holding up a cross, and saying In hoc Signo vinces [Constantine’s miraculous vision: cf. British Museum Satires No. 15385]. The building behind is ornate and Gothic, more elaborate than the actual Cottage. The King’s head (out of scale with the building) is framed in a small casement window; with an equivocal expression he looks towards Eldon, saying, Necessitas non habet leges. Eldon has dropped the Mace and the Purse of the Great Seal; he says: Had I served my God with half the Zeal I have served my King, he would not have suffered me to be turned out for supporting his Cause.”–British Museum online catalogue.

  • Printmaker: Heath, Henry, active 1824-1850, printmaker.
  • Title: Out of court [graphic] : auspicium melioris devi / H.H. fect.
  • Publication: [London] : Pubd. April 21, 1827, by S.W. Fores, 41 Piccadilly, London, [21 April 1827]

Catalog Record

827.04.21.01

Acquired July 2021