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Something to Look At, 1817. Creator: Unknown
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Something to Look At, 1817. Creator: Unknown
Something to Look At, 1817....or The Return of the Embassy. "Il vaut mieux plier que rompre" [It's better to bend than to break], French proverb. "Nimble mischance that art so light of foot, Doth not thy Embassage belong to me", [from Richard II], Shakespear'. Top-hatted man talking to an ape: Egad Friend it's very lucky I met with you!! but for you John Bull would have had nothing to look at for his Fivety Thousand!! Mind when you are introduc'd we have no such stupid ceremony as knocking of heads our Courtiers kiss Bottoms. Attend to this and you'll be certain of a Seat or a Sinecure
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Media ID 36265121
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Conversation Conversing Funny Johnston Shakespeare Shakespeare William Shakspeare Silly Speaking Talking Top Hat Tophat William Shakespeare
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Something to Look At,
EDITORS COMMENTS
an intriguing hand-colored etching from the 19th century, captures a whimsical moment between an elegantly dressed man in a top hat and an ape. The scene, titled "...or The Return of the Embassy," is filled with wit and humor, as the man exclaims, "Egad Friend it's very lucky I met with you!! but for you John Bull would have had nothing to look at for his Fivety Thousand!! Mind when you are introduced we have no such stupid ceremony as knocking of heads our Courtiers kiss Bottoms. Attend to this and you'll be certain of a Seat or a Sinecure!" The French proverb, "Il vaut mieux plier que rompre" (It's better to bend than to break), sets the tone for this playful interaction. The man's words, reminiscent of Shakespeare's "Nimble mischance that art so light of foot, Doth not thy Embassage belong to me," add to the satirical nature of the image. This unique work of art, created by an unknown artist, showcases the fashionable clothing of the time, with the man's top hat and colorful attire standing out against the monochromatic background. The hand-tinted details bring the scene to life, making it a captivating addition to any art collection or gallery. The conversation between the man and the ape is filled with political undertones, making it a parody of the British Embassy and the power dynamics of the time. The image is a testament to the artistic talent of the past and the enduring appeal of satire and humor in art. This intriguing hand-colored etching, with its rich history and unique charm, is a must-have for any art enthusiast, art institute, or art centre specializing in 19th-century prints and drawings. It is a reminder of the importance of preserving the unusual and the unusual in the world of art.
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