The house that Jack-built [graphic] / I Spy I delt.

[London] : Pubd. Septr. 1809 by Walker, No. 7 Cornhill, [September 1809]

1 print : etching ; plate mark 25 x 36 cm, on sheet 28 x 44 cm

wove paper

"A more realistic rendering of the squib, illustrated in British Museum Satires No. 11414, &c., the text slightly altered. Seven designs in two rows, three above and four below, the verses etched across the upper part of each. [1] A close-up view of part of the east front of the new theatre, not accurately drawn, but showing the portico and its flanking sculptures of 'Antient Drama' and 'Modern Drama'. Above: 'This is . . .' [&c.]. [2] An arc of the third tier of boxes, showing three boxes crowded with fashionables in polite conversation; one lady only looks at the stage, using a glass. Above: 'These are the Boxes . . .' [&c.]. [3] A similar view of three pigeon-holes showing lighted chandeliers suspended from brackets below them. The occupants of the front row sit, those behind stand in a massed crowd; all are behaving well. Above: 'These are the Pigeon holes made for the poor, over the Boxes . . .' [&c.]. [4] A bust portrait of Catalani, singing, with tense bony neck, a claw-like hand on her breast. Above: 'This is the Cat . . .' [&c.]. [5] A bust portrait of an obese neatly dressed 'cit' in profile to the left, fiercely blowing a trumpet from which issues the word 'Hiss'. In his right hand is a paper: 'The Age of Reason [cf. No. 8646] a New Comedy perform[ed] by J Bull & C°'. Above: 'This is John Bull. . .' [&c.]. [6] A bust profile portrait of Townsend, neatly dressed, and wearing a top-hat. His right arm is outstretched as if to seize John Bull in the adjacent design; in his left hand is a constable's crowned staff. Above: 'This is the Thief taker . . .' [&c.]. [7] A bust portrait of Kemble, sternly frowning, in profile to the left, clasping a rolled document inscribed 'King John'. He wears ordinary dress with swathed neck-cloth and high-collared coat. Above: 'This is the Manager . . .' [&c.]. (Cf. British Museum Satires No. 11419.)"--British Museum online catalogue.

English

May 31, 2023

Catalogue of prints and drawings in the British Museum, v. 8, no. 11417