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The Contrast, 1792

 Item — Box: LF104/2 Box 1
Reference code: LF104/2/40

Scope and Contents

Engraving, by Rowlandson after Lord George Murray. Two medallions placed side by side illustrate 'British Liberty' and 'French Liberty', these titles being inscribed on the borders of the medallions. [1] Britannia seated in profile to the right under an oak with her shield and the staff and cap of Liberty; in her right hand is 'Magna Charta', in her left she holds out the scales of Justice. The British lion crouches at her feet. Behind (right) is the sea with a ship in full sail. [2] A ragged Fury runs forward in profile to the left, trampling on a decapitated body; in her right hand is a trident on which is a bleeding head flanked by two hearts. In her hand is a long dagger. Writhing serpents form her hair and her girdle. Behind (right) a body hangs from a lamp-bracket. Beneath each medallion is an inscription in large letters: 'Religion. Morality. Loyalty Obedience to the Laws Independance Personal Security Justice Inheritance Protection Property. Industry. National Prosperity Happiness. Atheism Periury Rebellion. Treason. Anarchy Murder Equality. Madness. Cruelty. Injustice Treachery Ingratitude Idleness Famine National & Private Ruin. Misery WHICH IS BEST?' Endorsed by Miss Banks: 'Designed by Lord George Murray. Sent by Him to The Crown & Anchor from whence they have been distributed. & Likewise sold by Mrs Humphrey in Bond Street.'. The Crown and Anchor Tavern was the head-quarters of the Association for protecting Liberty and Property against republicans and levellers, commonly known as the Crown and Anchor Society. Another impression (coloured): 'Price Plain 6ª Coloured Ish' Another impression with the addition of commas and hyphens to the inscription. A copy was issued, 1 Jan. 1793, see Vol. vii. Cf. Challamel, ii. 299; Grego, 'Rowlandson', i. 317-18. Partial description from Catalogue of Political and Personal Satires Vol. VI. 8148.

Dates

  • Creation: 1792

Conditions Governing Access

Available by appointment in our Reading Room

Extent

1 Item(s)

Language of Materials

English

Repository Details

Part of the Special Collections and Archives Repository

Contact:
Western Bank Library
University of Sheffield
Western Bank
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