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Cooling the Brain or the Little Major shaving the Shaver, pub
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Cooling the Brain or the Little Major shaving the Shaver, pub
2962478 Cooling the Brain or the Little Major shaving the Shaver, pub. 1789 (hand coloured engraving) by Gillray, James (1757-1815); Private Collection; (add.info.: reference to the acquittal of Warren Hastings (1732-1818); welcomed into St. James Palace; accusation brought by Edmund Burke (1729-97); William Pickett in military uniform; ); The Stapleton Collection; English, out of copyright
Media ID 23135360
© The Stapleton Collection / Bridgeman Images
Affair Bald Bicorn Bound Cockade Colonies Convict Corruption Criminal Crucifix Epaulettes Exoneration Fettered Gallows Gibbet Glasses Governor General Of India Hanged Impeachment Looted Political Satire Razor Spectacles Stolen Silenced
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This hand-coloured engraving, titled "Cooling the Brain or the Little Major shaving the Shaver" captures a moment of political satire and social commentary from 1789. Created by James Gillray, this artwork depicts the exoneration of Warren Hastings, the Governor General of India, who was accused by Edmund Burke. In this scene, we see William Pickett in military uniform welcoming Hastings into St. James Palace after his acquittal. The image is filled with symbolic elements that reflect the corruption and colonialism associated with this affair. From spectacles representing stolen wealth to chains symbolizing censorship and bondage, every detail tells a story. The central focus is on Pickett shaving a bald man's head while wearing chains of censorship himself. This act represents the humiliation inflicted upon accusers when their claims are silenced or dismissed. Meanwhile, in the background, we observe a portrait carrying a sack of money and an Indian figure being hanged – both highlighting the consequences faced by those who challenge colonial powers. Gillray's satirical style adds depth to this artwork as he exposes political hypocrisy through caricatured figures and exaggerated features. The use of nudity further emphasizes vulnerability and nakedness in both literal and metaphorical senses. Overall, "Cooling the Brain" serves as a powerful critique against corruption within colonies during that era while shedding light on issues surrounding power dynamics between colonizers and indigenous populations.
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