Tag Archives: Public finance

Publick credit

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CLICK FOR LARGER IMAGE: Publick credit

Public credit is depicted as a vigorous young gentleman, nobly-dressed in a Senator’s gown, holding a merchant’s account book whose cover is printed with the motto “solutus omni faenore” signifying true credit free from interest. The griffin below signifies safe custody. In the background figures representing Popery, Rebellion, and Slander, all of which seem to threaten Publick Credit are thwarted as is the fox, an emblem of cunning and deceit. Both the text below describing the image and the image above are enclosed in two separate scroll-formed frames; in the center of the scroll at the top is a mask and a dagger. Probably a response to Robert Walpole’s Some considerations concerning the publick funds.

  • Artist: Bickham, George, 1706?-1771.
  • Title: Publick credit [graphic] / G. Bickham invt. et sculp.
  • Published: [London : G. Bickham], May’s Buildings, Covent Garden, October [ the] 18, 1745.

Catalog Record & Digital Collection

Acquired October 2011.

The first of April

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CLICK FOR LARGER IMAGE: The first of April

On the left, Charles James Fox sits on a chair, his gouty left foot resting on a stool, his right hand holding a crutch. Behind him is a paper which reads “Plan to discharge the Nation Debt”. His right arm reaches out to an angry group of citizens confronting him with their complaints and pleads for relief as he address them: “Gentlemen! I have been looking over my affairs, and give you my word of Honor you shall all be paid this day twelve month.” A butcher, baker, orphan child, a nurse and other troubled citizens voice their complaints in separate speech bubbles.

  • Printmaker: Collings, Samuel.
  • Title: The first of April, or, A meeting of creditors / SC [monogram] fect.
  • Published: [London] : As the Act directs published March 28, 1785 by W. Humphrey, Strand, [28 Mar. 1785].

Catalog Record & Digital Collection

Acquired October 2011.