the class-o-matic

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Isaac Cruickshank

British Social critic and artist circa 1777

Published by S.W. Fores, 50 Piccadilly corner of Sachville St., London 1799 March 18.

This remarkable hand coloured political cartoon print shows Miss Hibernia seated at right wearing dress decorated with Irish harps; seated around the table are members of John Bull's family, identified as various taxes which are likely to be imposed on the Irish as a result of William Pitt's proposed Irish union.

A grotesque figure seated center and labeled "Isacc Income!!" is taking more than his share "Pr. An." He is admonished by "Abraham Hat Stamp" who says, "Dont be so boiseterous, there is enough for us all" and by Polly Powder Tax, "Really Brother I am quite ashamed of you." John Bull, raising a knife, adds, "Cant you take what comes to your share like the rest of the Family, why you swallow more than all the rest put togeather. Miss Hibernia will be frightened at your prodigious stomach and break off the connection!!" Miss Hibernia states, "Really Mr. Bull ... I fear I must decline all thoughts of the intended Union - your family is so very large...."

To better put this in context - Scot artist Cruickshank was working perilously close to the edge of civil survival. Whilst "the people" loved his work, Royalty, political radicals and those in power did not, and he was often threatened with violence or imprisonment.

He mercilessly skewered the Ruling Class, Napoleon et al. with his direct, scathing, and occasionally wonderful but quite crude illustrations. Those depicting the Royals "en flagrente delicto" were particularly popular for obvious reasons, and he was, along with contemporary Gillray - one of only a few now well known dissident cartoonists. He had an extraordinary wit and a relatively long career, dying at 55 of far too much dancing.

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