This is a fine early 19th-century satirical print which is entitled: Three Great Pillars of Government - or a Walk from White Conduit House to St Stephens.
It was designed by John (HB) Doyle - and published by Thomas McLean 23 July 1831.
John Doyle (1797-1868) was born in Dublin. He was a political cartoonist, caricaturist, painter, and lithographer who worked under the pen name "HB". He also painted miniatures but found his greatest success came from his political cartoons and satires. These could be more easily be reproduced using the new method of printing illustrations: lithography.
Lithography allowed prints to have a more sketchy appearance with fine tonal qualities. This was a change from the more brash lines of coloured etchings of the previous decades.
This is Print No. 143 from the published volume entitled Political Sketches of H.B. These images were published in two volumes in a series of coloured lithographic print - and issued between 1829 and 1843.
John Doyle's son, Richard was also a celebrated caricaturist and illustrator who worked for "Punch". His other sons were also artistic; Henry Edward Doyle became director of the National Gallery of Ireland, James William Edmund Doyle was an illustrator and Charles Altamont Doyle was a painter and the father of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the author of Sherlock Holmes.
This print features: the parliamentary reformer, Sir Francis Burdett, Joseph Hume was a doctor and politician; MP for Aberdeen Burghs, Middlesex and Montrose Burghs and finally Daniel O'Connell - the Irish politician; MP for Dublin City and Cork County.
The subject relates to the Parliamentary reform acts of 1830 and 1831.
Hume walks forward between Burdett (left) who takes his right arm, and O'Connell who takes his left. Burdett raises his right arm and snaps his fingers, saying, '"Equal representation and Annual Parliaments" and that for the Boro' mongers'. O'Connell, his closed umbrella held behind his right shoulder, adds "and universal suffrage, and Vote by Ballot" eh! (with a repeal of the Union). Hume, responds 'Bravo!' and '"Cheap Government".
A harder-to-find print - in good antique condition. The hand colouring (with watercolour washes) is original to the issue of this print. The work has never been on display so the colours are all nice and fresh. It has recently been professionally re-framed with a new acid-free window mount and a simple black frame. It is all ready just to hang on your wall.
Frame size: 40.5 x 45 cm. Image size: 28 x 34 cm
Postage to the UK only - and it will be sent to you with Parcelforce 48 tracked. This will be about £10 and applied at check out.