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Belittling Collection

"Belittling: A Reflection of Human Nature Through Art" Art has always been a powerful medium to express the complexities of human behavior

Background imageBelittling Collection: Lysistrata and his allies defending the access of the acropolis to men by farts, 1896 (litho)

Lysistrata and his allies defending the access of the acropolis to men by farts, 1896 (litho)
AIS5356057 Lysistrata and his allies defending the access of the acropolis to men by farts, 1896 (litho) by Beardsley, Aubrey (1872-98); 32x25 cm; (add.info)

Background imageBelittling Collection: Beauty is only skin deep (colour litho)

Beauty is only skin deep (colour litho)
8656187 Beauty is only skin deep (colour litho) by English School, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Beauty is only skin deep - then for heaven's sake skin her)

Background imageBelittling Collection: The death of Admiral Horatio Nelson (1758-1805) at the time of victory

The death of Admiral Horatio Nelson (1758-1805) at the time of victory
MMM5481869 The death of Admiral Horatio Nelson (1758-1805) at the time of victory by Gillray, James (1757-1815); National Maritime Museum, London

Background imageBelittling Collection: Dunce's cap, c.1880 (print)

Dunce's cap, c.1880 (print)
7293408 Dunce's cap, c.1880 (print); (add.info.: Education. Student wearing a dunce's cap at school. Imagery, France, ca 1880.); Photo: © Archives Charmet.

Background imageBelittling Collection: Page from The Bible Emblem Anniversary Book (colour litho)

Page from The Bible Emblem Anniversary Book (colour litho)
8630704 Page from The Bible Emblem Anniversary Book (colour litho) by Foster, William (1852-1924); Private Collection; (add.info)

Background imageBelittling Collection: Portraits de Brunswick, 1792 (engraving)

Portraits de Brunswick, 1792 (engraving)
8677260 Portraits de Brunswick, 1792 (engraving) by English School, (18th century) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: Portraits de Brunswick, 1792)

Background imageBelittling Collection: The Dissolution (engraving)

The Dissolution (engraving)
8677250 The Dissolution (engraving) by English School, (18th century) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Dissolution)

Background imageBelittling Collection: The last Shift (engraving)

The last Shift (engraving)
8677187 The last Shift (engraving) by English School, (18th century) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: The last Shift)

Background imageBelittling Collection: Past & Present: The Bicycle (colour litho)

Past & Present: The Bicycle (colour litho)
8668679 Past & Present: The Bicycle (colour litho) by English School, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Bicycle. Hobby Horse)

Background imageBelittling Collection: The political dancing bear (engraving)

The political dancing bear (engraving)
8677197 The political dancing bear (engraving) by English School, (18th century) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: The political dancing bear)

Background imageBelittling Collection: Wonders have not ceased (engraving)

Wonders have not ceased (engraving)
8677190 Wonders have not ceased (engraving) by English School, (18th century) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: Wonders have not ceased)

Background imageBelittling Collection: Agesilaus in Egypt (litho)

Agesilaus in Egypt (litho)
8660739 Agesilaus in Egypt (litho) by Dudley, Robert Ambrose (1867-1951); Private Collection; (add.info.: Agesilaus in Egypt)

Background imageBelittling Collection: The Political Machine that goes without Horses, 1769 (engraving)

The Political Machine that goes without Horses, 1769 (engraving)
8677244 The Political Machine that goes without Horses, 1769 (engraving) by English School, (18th century) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Political Machine that goes without Horses)

Background imageBelittling Collection: Musical entertainment provided in the form of a singing troubadour and children playing a paino

Musical entertainment provided in the form of a singing troubadour and children playing a paino (colour litho)
7150669 Musical entertainment provided in the form of a singing troubadour and children playing a paino (colour litho) by Reynolds

Background imageBelittling Collection: The Old Man and the Three Young Men, 1850

The Old Man and the Three Young Men, 1850
3478185 The Old Man and the Three Young Men, 1850; (add.info.: Illustration titled 'The Old Man and the Three Young Men'. The young men are mocking the old man for planting a tree at his age)

Background imageBelittling Collection: The Birthright of Englishmen ascertained, 1216. Surrendered March 22 1770 (engraving)

The Birthright of Englishmen ascertained, 1216. Surrendered March 22 1770 (engraving)
8677185 The Birthright of Englishmen ascertained, 1216. Surrendered March 22 1770 (engraving) by English School, (18th century) (after); Private Collection; (add.info)

Background imageBelittling Collection: Posh boy refusing to carry a yacht (colour litho)

Posh boy refusing to carry a yacht (colour litho)
8635564 Posh boy refusing to carry a yacht (colour litho) by English School, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Posh boy refusing to carry a yacht)

Background imageBelittling Collection: Musical entertainment provided in the form of ballad songs and jazz (colour litho)

Musical entertainment provided in the form of ballad songs and jazz (colour litho)
7150668 Musical entertainment provided in the form of ballad songs and jazz (colour litho) by Reynolds, Frank (1876-1953); Private Collection; (add.info)

Background imageBelittling Collection: John Bull (icon of the British nation) exchanging news with the continent

John Bull (icon of the British nation) exchanging news with the continent
MMM5481948 John Bull (icon of the British nation) exchanging news with the continent by Woodward, George Moutard (c.1760-1809); National Maritime Museum, London

Background imageBelittling Collection: The hop merchant from Kent (England) and the speaker at Optics

The hop merchant from Kent (England) and the speaker at Optics
MMM5477349 The hop merchant from Kent (England) and the speaker at Optics; National Maritime Museum, London, UK; (add.info.: The hop merchant from Kent (England) and the speaker of optics

Background imageBelittling Collection: A fight (milling match, a type of boxing where the fighters sit)

A fight (milling match, a type of boxing where the fighters sit, fighting only with their fists) between bridges
MMM5482865 A fight (milling match, a type of boxing where the fighters sit, fighting only with their fists) between bridges by Tegg, Thomas (1776-1845) ; National Maritime Museum, London

Background imageBelittling Collection: The rivals, a cartoon featuring Royal Navy sailors offering to help a young girl who has just

The rivals, a cartoon featuring Royal Navy sailors offering to help a young girl who has just tipped over her basket
MMM5481856 The rivals, a cartoon featuring Royal Navy sailors offering to help a young girl who has just tipped over her basket; National Maritime Museum, London, UK; (add.info.: The rivals)

Background imageBelittling Collection: Equity or the sailor's prayer before the battle

Equity or the sailor's prayer before the battle
MMM5481797 Equity or the sailor's prayer before the battle by Tegg, Thomas (1776-1845) ; National Maritime Museum, London, UK; (add.info.: Fairness or the sailor's prayer before the battle)

Background imageBelittling Collection: Thus vibrates the Affairs of Old England (engraving)

Thus vibrates the Affairs of Old England (engraving)
8677196 Thus vibrates the Affairs of Old England (engraving) by English School, (18th century) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: Thus vibrates the Affairs of Old England)

Background imageBelittling Collection: The Diaboliad (engraving)

The Diaboliad (engraving)
8677301 The Diaboliad (engraving) by English School, (18th century) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Diaboliad)

Background imageBelittling Collection: The Spartans and Tyrtaeus (litho)

The Spartans and Tyrtaeus (litho)
8660831 The Spartans and Tyrtaeus (litho) by Rowlandson, George Derville (1861-1930) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Spartans and Tyrtaeus)

Background imageBelittling Collection: The equipment of cadet (aspiring officer) William Blockhead, for his service on the HMS 'Hellfire'

The equipment of cadet (aspiring officer) William Blockhead, for his service on the HMS 'Hellfire' at a station
MMM5478578 The equipment of cadet (aspiring officer) William Blockhead, for his service on the HMS 'Hellfire' at a station in the West Indies (America) by Cruikshank

Background imageBelittling Collection: The Premier distributing the loaves and fishes to the labourers in His vineyard, May 9

The Premier distributing the loaves and fishes to the labourers in His vineyard, May 9, 1772 (engraving)
8677189 The Premier distributing the loaves and fishes to the labourers in His vineyard, May 9, 1772 (engraving) by English School

Background imageBelittling Collection: Grand members concert in the House of Commons (colour litho)

Grand members concert in the House of Commons (colour litho)
8672215 Grand members concert in the House of Commons (colour litho) by English School, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

Background imageBelittling Collection: The Guy Faux of 1770 (engraving)

The Guy Faux of 1770 (engraving)
8677805 The Guy Faux of 1770 (engraving) by English School, (18th century) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Guy Faux of 1770)

Background imageBelittling Collection: The State Hackney Coach, 1773 (engraving)

The State Hackney Coach, 1773 (engraving)
8677791 The State Hackney Coach, 1773 (engraving) by English School, (18th century) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: The State Hackney Coach, 1773. They go fast whom the devil drives)

Background imageBelittling Collection: Dido's despair, caricature making fun of Horatio Nelson and Lady Emma Hamilton's relationship

Dido's despair, caricature making fun of Horatio Nelson and Lady Emma Hamilton's relationship, 1801 (engraving)
MMM5481908 Dido's despair, caricature making fun of Horatio Nelson and Lady Emma Hamilton's relationship, 1801 (engraving) by Gillray, James (1757-1815); National Maritime Museum, London

Background imageBelittling Collection: A Russian soldier tweaks the moustache of the German Kaiser Wilhelm while the Austro-Hungarian

A Russian soldier tweaks the moustache of the German Kaiser Wilhelm while the Austro-Hungarian Emperor Franz Joseph
CHT277892 A Russian soldier tweaks the moustache of the German Kaiser Wilhelm while the Austro-Hungarian Emperor Franz Joseph cowers in fear

Background imageBelittling Collection: The old bachelor, 1836 (illustration)

The old bachelor, 1836 (illustration)
7485443 The old bachelor, 1836 (illustration) by Grandville (Jean Ignace Isidore Gerard) (1803-47); (add.info.: The old bachelor)

Background imageBelittling Collection: Dunce's cap, c.1880 (print)

Dunce's cap, c.1880 (print)
7293414 Dunce's cap, c.1880 (print) by French School, (19th century); (add.info.: Education. Student wearing a dunce's cap at school. Imagery, France, ca 1880.); Photo: © Archives Charmet

Background imageBelittling Collection: The Mocking of Christ, 1612-13, (painting)

The Mocking of Christ, 1612-13, (painting)
7130058 The Mocking of Christ, 1612-13, (painting) by Honthorst, Gerrit van (1590-1656); Santa Maria della Vittoria, Rome, Italy; (add.info.: The Mocking of Christ, 1612-13, Gerard van Honthorst)

Background imageBelittling Collection: Arlequin and Leandre drink and sing while mocking Pierrot (verse 8), 1880 (engraving)

Arlequin and Leandre drink and sing while mocking Pierrot (verse 8), 1880 (engraving)
7312473 Arlequin and Leandre drink and sing while mocking Pierrot (verse 8), 1880 (engraving) by Froelich, Lorentz (1820-1908); 27, 5x18

Background imageBelittling Collection: The Almost-Night Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)

The Almost-Night Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)
7308554 The Almost-Night Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper) by Stettler, Wilhelm (1643-1708); 11.5x10.5 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

Background imageBelittling Collection: The Falsifier Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)

The Falsifier Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)
7308534 The Falsifier Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper) by Stettler, Wilhelm (1643-1708); 11.5x10.5 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

Background imageBelittling Collection: The Fool Who Gives With Displeasure, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)

The Fool Who Gives With Displeasure, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)
7308522 The Fool Who Gives With Displeasure, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper) by Stettler, Wilhelm (1643-1708); 11.5x10.5 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

Background imageBelittling Collection: The Goodness-Preventing Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)

The Goodness-Preventing Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)
7308520 The Goodness-Preventing Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper) by Stettler, Wilhelm (1643-1708); 11.5x10.5 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

Background imageBelittling Collection: The Usury Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)

The Usury Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)
7308516 The Usury Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper) by Stettler, Wilhelm (1643-1708); 11.5x10.5 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

Background imageBelittling Collection: The Aufbutz Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)

The Aufbutz Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)
7308513 The Aufbutz Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper) by Stettler, Wilhelm (1643-1708); 11.5x10.5 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

Background imageBelittling Collection: The Fool Who Prefers Lust To Nurture, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)

The Fool Who Prefers Lust To Nurture, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)
7308507 The Fool Who Prefers Lust To Nurture, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper) by Stettler, Wilhelm (1643-1708); 11.5x10.5 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

Background imageBelittling Collection: The Sow-Quoting Jester, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)

The Sow-Quoting Jester, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)
7308474 The Sow-Quoting Jester, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper) by Stettler, Wilhelm (1643-1708); 11.5x10.5 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

Background imageBelittling Collection: The Processionary Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)

The Processionary Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)
7308471 The Processionary Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper) by Stettler, Wilhelm (1643-1708); 11.5x10.5 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

Background imageBelittling Collection: The Fool Fallen Into His Own Net, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)

The Fool Fallen Into His Own Net, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)
7308467 The Fool Fallen Into His Own Net, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper) by Stettler, Wilhelm (1643-1708); 11.5x10.5 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

Background imageBelittling Collection: The Beggar Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)

The Beggar Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper)
7308456 The Beggar Fool, 1660-86 (brush and Indian ink on paper) by Stettler, Wilhelm (1643-1708); 11.5x10.5 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford



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"Belittling: A Reflection of Human Nature Through Art" Art has always been a powerful medium to express the complexities of human behavior, and one recurring theme that emerges is the act of belittling. From centuries-old masterpieces to modern lithographs, artists have captured moments where individuals mock and deride others, shedding light on our innate inclination towards superiority. In "Christ Crowned with Thorns (Mocked Christ), " painted in 1620, we witness the cruel mockery inflicted upon Jesus during his crucifixion. The painting serves as a reminder of how even divinity can be subjected to belittlement by those who revel in their power. Similarly, "The Mocking of Christ" from 1612-13 portrays the humiliation suffered by Jesus at the hands of his tormentors. This artwork highlights humanity's capacity for cruelty when faced with vulnerability and challenges us to reflect on our own actions towards others. Moving beyond religious contexts, "Lysistrata and his allies defending the access of the acropolis to men by farts, " created in 1896 as a lithograph, takes a satirical approach. It showcases how humor can be used as a tool for belittlement while addressing gender dynamics within society. The various depictions found in "Copy of The Crowning of Thorns" or "Arlequin and Leandre drink and sing while mocking Pierrot" demonstrate that belittling extends beyond specific historical events or religious figures. These artworks reveal an underlying truth about human nature – our tendency to derive pleasure from demeaning others. Furthermore, through works like "The Almost-Night Fool, " "The Falsifier Fool, " or even "The Usury Fool, " we encounter different facets of belittlement personified as fools. These illustrations serve as cautionary tales against succumbing to such behaviors ourselves - reminding us that it is not only harmful but also prevents goodness from flourishing within society.