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The Great Mail Contractor (engraving)
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The Great Mail Contractor (engraving)
7178074 The Great Mail Contractor (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Great Mail Contractor. Illustration for The Comic Annual by Thomas Hood, 1833 (Charles Tilt).); © Look and Learn
Media ID 24683126
© Look and Learn / Bridgeman Images
Air Mail Mail Obese Obesity Old Post Office Parcel Service Post Post Chaise Post Office Postage Postal Service Postal Services Postman Postoffice Pullman Car
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The Great Mail Contractor - A Humorous Glimpse into 19th Century Postal Service
EDITORS COMMENTS
. This engraving, titled "The Great Mail Contractor" takes us back to the bustling world of 19th-century mail delivery. Created by an English School artist in the early 1800s, this illustration captures both the humor and challenges faced by postmen during that era. In this comical scene, we see a portly mail contractor seated comfortably in a post chaise, surrounded by stacks of letters and parcels. His jovial expression suggests that he is well aware of his own ample girth, adding a touch of self-deprecating humor to the image. The artist's attention to detail is evident in every stroke, from the intricate engravings on the carriage to the meticulous rendering of each letter. This artwork was originally featured in Thomas Hood's "The Comic Annual" published in 1833. It offers us a glimpse into a time when postal services were vital for communication across long distances. The exaggerated portrayal of our protagonist highlights not only his obesity but also his importance as a key figure responsible for delivering messages far and wide. As we admire this delightful print from Fine Art Finder's private collection, let it serve as a reminder of how far postal services have come since then. From humble beginnings like these to today's efficient air mail systems, this engraving encapsulates both nostalgia for simpler times and appreciation for progress made over centuries.
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