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Mr John Bull in a Quandary or the Anticipated effects of the Railway Calls, pub
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Mr John Bull in a Quandary or the Anticipated effects of the Railway Calls, pub
3025392 Mr John Bull in a Quandary or the Anticipated effects of the Railway Calls, pub. 1845 (engraving) by Cruikshank, George (1792-1878); Private Collection; (add.info.: alludes to the crash in value of railway stock in 1845/6.); The Stapleton Collection; English, out of copyright
Media ID 23261018
© The Stapleton Collection / Bridgeman Images
Attacked Bell Cash Coins Elves Fork Goblins John Bull Judges Ladders Mania Pocket Watch Possessions Robbing Silver Walking Cane Attackers Strong Box
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EDITORS COMMENTS
The engraving titled "Mr John Bull in a Quandary or the Anticipated effects of the Railway Calls" by George Cruikshank captures the chaos and turmoil caused by the crash in value of railway stock in 1845/6. In this satirical cartoon, we see Mr John Bull, a symbol for England, caught in a perplexing situation. Lilliputian figures representing goblins and elves are attacking him from all sides as he desperately tries to protect his possessions. In the scene, judges with wigs observe the market collapse while holding pocket watches, symbolizing time running out for investors. A model train crashes into a strongbox filled with coins and silver, signifying the financial ruin brought about by railway mania. Meanwhile, men armed with walking canes and forks attempt to rob Mr John Bull's cash box. This caricature highlights both the boom and bust nature of speculative investments during that period and serves as a scathing satire on those who were swept up in railway mania. The image is richly detailed with intricate elements such as ladders leading nowhere and bells ringing ominously. Overall, this print offers an insightful commentary on greed, financial instability, and societal consequences during times of economic frenzy. It reminds us that even powerful symbols like Mr John Bull can find themselves vulnerable when faced with unforeseen circumstances.
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