National bankruptcy, or, Iohn Bull takeing the benefit of the Insolvent Act [graphic].Elmes, William, active 1797-1820, printmaker[not before 15 June 1816]eng"John Bull stands in a court of law, in profile to the right, facing the judge, who sits in a high carved chair of Gothic design. He is a 'cit' with a gouty foot in a large shoe; his crutch and hat are under his right arm, his right hand deep in his coat pocket. He wears old-fashioned dress with an ill-fitting wig, and scratches his forehead, saying, "My Name Your Worship--is John Bull my buisness here is to give notice to my Creditors to avail myself of the benefit of the Insolvent Act." His short, broad, and over-dressed wife stands behind him, saying, "I long thought it would come to this, I told him over and over a gain what would be the end of his Mad career." John's bulldog is at his feet, morose and aggressive. The judge, counsel, and attendants look at John with pained surprise. The judge, perhaps intended for Lord Ellenborough, says: "however such a Circumstance might be looked forward to, it--certainly was not expected Just now." Clerks sit in the foreground (right) writing. On their table is a paper with the Royal Arms and the words 'London Gazette'. Behind is a Gothic window."--British Museum online catalogue, description of an earlier stateTitle etched below image.Printmaker from description of earlier state in the British Museum catalogue.Later state, with first half of imprint statement burnished from plate.Date of publication based on complete imprint on earlier state: Pubd. June 15, 1816, by Ts. Tegg, No. 111 Cheapside. Cf. No. 12779 in the Catalogue of prints and drawings in the British Museum. Division I, political and personal satires, v. 9.Plate numbered "206" in upper right corner.Plate from: Woodward, G.M. Caricature magazine, or Hudibrastic mirror. London : Thomas Tegg, [1808?], v. 3.Watermark: 1817.Leaf 62 in volume 3.