"The full face of Clifford, based on a fashionably swathed neck-cloth and high coat-collar, fills the design. The mouth is open as if shouting. The eyes and part of the cheeks are covered by circles representing huge spectacles. Each contains a symmetrical view of Covent Garden Theatre seen from the stage, showing pit, three tiers of boxes, and the centre of the two galleries (the 'pigeon-holes' not appearing), all crowded. The views differ only in the performers on the stage, two actors on the right (one clearly Kemble, probably as Macbeth), and on the left two actors and a file of soldiers. Superimposed on the middle of each circular design is a large 'O' (left) and 'P' (right). Round the broad rims of the spectacles: (left) 'Old House Old Prices & No Private Boxes' and (right) 'Old House Old Prices & No Pigeon Holes'. On the bridge across the nose: 'N.P.B.' (No Private Boxes, see British Museum Satires No. 11421)."--British Museum online catalogue
Description:
Title etched below image., Print made collaboratively by Isaac and George Cruikshank, with the latter responsible for the tiny figures in the spectacles. See British Museum catalogue., and Sheet trimmed to plate mark.
Publisher:
Pubd. by T. Tegg, 111 Cheapside
Subject (Geographic):
Great Britain
Subject (Name):
Clifford, Henry, 1768-1813, Kemble, John Philip, 1757-1823, Covent Garden Theatre,, and Covent Garden Theatre
Subject (Topic):
Theaters, Eyeglasses, Theater audiences, Actors, and Theatrical productions
"A more realistic rendering of the squib, illustrated in British Museum Satires No. 11414, &c., the text slightly altered. Seven designs in two rows, three above and four below, the verses etched across the upper part of each. [1] A close-up view of part of the east front of the new theatre, not accurately drawn, but showing the portico and its flanking sculptures of 'Antient Drama' and 'Modern Drama'. Above: 'This is . . .' [&c.]. [2] An arc of the third tier of boxes, showing three boxes crowded with fashionables in polite conversation; one lady only looks at the stage, using a glass. Above: 'These are the Boxes . . .' [&c.]. [3] A similar view of three pigeon-holes showing lighted chandeliers suspended from brackets below them. The occupants of the front row sit, those behind stand in a massed crowd; all are behaving well. Above: 'These are the Pigeon holes made for the poor, over the Boxes . . .' [&c.]. [4] A bust portrait of Catalani, singing, with tense bony neck, a claw-like hand on her breast. Above: 'This is the Cat . . .' [&c.]. [5] A bust portrait of an obese neatly dressed 'cit' in profile to the left, fiercely blowing a trumpet from which issues the word 'Hiss'. In his right hand is a paper: 'The Age of Reason [cf. No. 8646] a New Comedy perform[ed] by J Bull & C°'. Above: 'This is John Bull. . .' [&c.]. [6] A bust profile portrait of Townsend, neatly dressed, and wearing a top-hat. His right arm is outstretched as if to seize John Bull in the adjacent design; in his left hand is a constable's crowned staff. Above: 'This is the Thief taker . . .' [&c.]. [7] A bust portrait of Kemble, sternly frowning, in profile to the left, clasping a rolled document inscribed 'King John'. He wears ordinary dress with swathed neck-cloth and high-collared coat. Above: 'This is the Manager . . .' [&c.]. (Cf. British Museum Satires No. 11419.)"--British Museum online catalogue
Description:
Title etched below image. and Attributed to Charles Williams in the British Museum catalogue.
Publisher:
Pubd. Septr. 1809 by Walker, No. 7 Cornhill
Subject (Geographic):
England and London.
Subject (Name):
Catalani, Angelica, 1780-1849, Townsend, John, 1760-1832, Kemble, John Philip, 1757-1823, and Covent Garden Theatre,
Subject (Topic):
John Bull (Symbolic character), Theaters, Interiors, Chandeliers, Theater audiences, Bugles, Prices, and Anger