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Risum Teneatis Amici? (Friends, can you help but laugh?), 1729 (etching)
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Risum Teneatis Amici? (Friends, can you help but laugh?), 1729 (etching)
XJF863047 Risum Teneatis Amici? (Friends, can you help but laugh?), 1729 (etching) by English School, (18th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Frontispiece to the satire on society " The Art of Politicks" published by Lawton Gilliver illustrating:
" If to a Human Face Sir James [Thornhill] should draw/A Geldings Mane and a Feathers of Macaw, /A Ladys Bosom and a Tail of Cod, /Who would help laughing at a Sight so odd?"
(John James Heidegger?) ); English, out of copyright
Media ID 12939800
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EDITORS COMMENTS
The print captures the essence of satire and humor in the 18th century with "Risum Teneatis Amici? (Friends, can you help but laugh?)" etching by English School. This artwork serves as the frontispiece to the satirical publication "The Art of Politicks" published by Lawton Gilliver. The image depicts a scene that invites laughter and amusement. In this whimsical illustration, we see Sir James Thornhill drawing a human face adorned with peculiar elements. A gelding's mane replaces his hair, while feathers of a macaw decorate his head. To add to the absurdity, he sports both a lady's bosom and a tail made out of codfish. It is an odd sight indeed! The artist challenges us not to burst into laughter at such an unconventional spectacle. The caricatured figure seems like John James Heidegger, known for his bewigged appearance and involvement in Georgian politics. This piece cleverly combines political commentary with visual comedy through its use of exaggerated features and unexpected combinations. The inclusion of bird wings, breasts, and fish tails adds further intrigue to this satirical portrayal. As we gaze upon this etching from centuries ago, it reminds us that humor has always been an essential tool for questioning societal norms and challenging authority figures. It serves as a testament to our eternal fascination with satire as a means of expressing dissent or simply finding joy in life's eccentricities.
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