Rare antique satirical print, The Monkey's Downfall, 1767, first edition

Meta:

Seller Notes : “Generally good with a bit of age related toning.”
Type : Print
Signed : No
Subject : Politics, Royalty
Time Period Produced : 1750-1799
Framing : Unframed
Size : Small
Country/Region of Manufacture : United Kingdom
Production Technique : Etching
Original/Licensed Reprint : Original
Image Orientation : Landscape
Material : Paper
Theme : Politics, Satire
Handmade : Yes
Artist : Richard Bawden
Year of Production : 1767
Signed By : Richard Bawden
Style : Cartoon

Size: 40 x 28 cm, image without letters 33.7 x 20.2 cm. Condition: Laid to board, generally good with a bit of age related toning. This most unusual print, full title “The Monkey’s Downfall or Cat’s Paw Rescu’d”, is an early example of political satire, dating from 1767, after the death of William Hogarth but before the likes of Gillray and Cruikshank had begun to produce their work in similar vein. The artist and engraver are unknown. It depicts Lord Bute (the former Prime Minister of Britain) as a monkey, who lies on the floor being attacked by a pack of dogs set upon him by his political rival William Pitt, himself depicted as a dog with a human head. Princess Augusta, on the right, begs her son, a young King George III to spare her monkey but he says he cannot. There are a host of details revealing who each of the dogs represent, with pictures on the wall and a verse beneath adding to the narrative. The British Museum has a copy online (Museum number 1868,0808.4391) where all the details and people represented are explained. We are not aware of any other copies of this print available outside of museums. This is an original first edition print on laid paper consistent with the date.

Rare antique satirical print, The Monkey's Downfall, 1767, first edition

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