“Twelve standing figures arranged in two rows, their words etched above their heads. [1] A fat and prosperous citizen smoking a long pipe, smoke puffing from the corners of his mouth and his nostrils: ‘I will be bound – with a dozen of our Club and a proper allowance of fire, and the best Virginia, to smoke the French Mounseers from Dover to Calais, in the turning of a Tobacco stopper, who’s afraid?’ (cf. British Museum Satires No. 8220). The others, who make similar boasts of their ability to resist an invasion are: [2] A shambling journeyman tailor who speaks in the name of ‘all united Taylors’. [3] A ragged cobbler, knock-kneed to deformity, who is also a preacher, cf. British Museum Satires No. 8026. [4] A ‘Loyal Gypsy’ with an (unnecessary) wooden leg. [5] A young woman (? Mrs. Concannon) as one of the ‘Host of Faro, prepared to batter the enemy, with the remnants of our Reputations!’ [6] A badly maimed officer, on stumps, with amputated right arm. [7] A doctor prepared to use his ‘patent pills’ on the enemy. [8] A Billingsgate virago. [9] A yokel: ‘they had better keep away from our village . . . for I believe in my heart, the very Turkies would rise in a mass against them, who’s afraid.’ [10] A foppish apprentice: ‘I am a tight dashing fresh water Sailor; – keep a funny row to Putney every Sunday – let me catch them above Bridge – thats all. who’s afraid.’ [11] An attorney prepared to present his bill to the enemy. [12] A stout man wearing a hat stands in back view, legs astride, coat-tails raised as if with his back to the fire: ‘Lets teach em good manners D——mme who’s afraid?’.”–British Museum online catalogue.
- Printmaker: Cruikshank, Isaac, 1764-1811, printmaker.
- Title: Who’s afraid, or, The effects of an invasion!! [graphic] / Woodward del.
- Publication: [London] : Pub. Nov 21, 1796, by S.W. Fores, No. 50 Piccadilly corner of Sackville Street, [21 November 1790]
790.11.21.01+
Acquired June 2024