Home > Europe > United Kingdom > England > London > Politics > John Russell
A corporate body under the operation of the Royal Commission, c1835
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Heritage Images
A corporate body under the operation of the Royal Commission, c1835
A corporate body under the operation of the Royal Commission, c1835. A fat Lord Mayor sits in the stocks. On the right Lord John Russell attacks him. Satire alluding to the concern of the City about possible loss of its ancient privileges by the Royal Commission on Municipal Corporations
Heritage Images features heritage image collections
Media ID 15169338
© London Metropolitan Archives (City of London) / Heritage-Images
1st Earl Russell Of Kingston Russell Attacking Chain Of Office Georgian John Russell Lord Lord John Lord John Russell Lord Mayor Of London Lord Russell Obese Prime Minister Regalia Russell Stocks
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Animals
> Mammals
> Muridae
> Mayors Mouse
> Animals
> Mammals
> Nesomyidae
> Fat Mouse
> Arts
> Artists
> R
> John Russell
> Asia
> Georgia
> Related Images
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Boroughs
> City of London
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Museums
> British Library
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Politics
> John Russell
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Politics
> Related Images
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Royalty
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> Politics
EDITORS COMMENTS
This satirical lithograph, created around 1835, captures a significant moment in British political history. Depicting a corporate body under the operation of the Royal Commission on Municipal Corporations, it highlights the City's concern about potential loss of its ancient privileges. At the center of attention is a rotund Lord Mayor who finds himself confined within stocks, symbolizing his vulnerability and powerlessness. To the right of this comical scene stands Lord John Russell, launching an attack on the beleaguered Lord Mayor. As a prominent statesman and later Prime Minister, Russell represents the authority that threatens to curtail traditional city rights. The artist skillfully employs satire to convey these tensions between local governance and central control. The Guildhall Library and Art Gallery holds this intriguing piece which offers us glimpses into Georgian England's political landscape. The detailed rendering showcases period clothing and regalia worn by politicians like Lord John Russell as they engaged in public affairs outside London's Guildhall. While remaining anonymous, this caricature serves as both historical documentation and social commentary. It reflects broader concerns about power dynamics during that time while providing insight into how visual art was used to express dissent or critique those in positions of authority.
MADE IN THE UK
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Basket.
