Item 29: Satirical Cartoon, by Unknown, titled “Patriotic Meteors,” Published in London Magazine, 1771 November 1
Item — Box: 6, Folder: 29
Dates
- Created: 1771 November 1
Creator
- The London Magazine (Organization)
Access:
All series and subseries within this collection are open for research, with the exception of a few files within the Academia series that are restricted. The Academia series contains financial and sensitive institutional records from Wilkes College, and financial report records from Princeton University that will remain restricted for 80 years upon creation.
Extent
1 items
Language of Materials
From the Collection: English
Type of Material:
Engraving/ Political Cartoon.
Condition Note:
Good.
Measurements:
7 ½ in. x 4 ¾ in.
Title:
Patriotic Meteors
Description:
The following item dated November 1, 1771, depicts a satirical cartoon of John Wilkes, Frederick Bull, and Brass Crosby, created by an unknown artist and published in London Magazine. The image shows the three men’s heads flying into a camel's open mouth, labeled the Gulf of Oblivion, as “patriotic meteors.” Bull’s depiction represents him literally as a bull. Beneath their flying heads lies two staffs, a fur-lined cloak, and a knight’s shield. Beneath the image is an inscription, Exitus acta probat [the outcome justifies the deed].
An accompanying exhibition caption explains the historical context of the work: “This cartoon was published in the London Magazine on November 1, 1771. It was anti-Wilkes and predicted his downfall. Three heads, their necks decorated by chains symbolic of civil office, are being drawn into the jaws of a hippopotamus labeled “The Gulf of Oblivion.” Wilkes is followed by Brass Crosby, the outgoing Lord Mayor, and a bull, representing Frederick Bull, who had been elected sheriff with Wilkes. Resting on the gown lying on the ground are the arms of the city and two sheriff’s staves.
After his term as sheriff, Wilkes would successfully run for mayor of London.”
Transcription:
Exitus acta probat [the outcome justifies the deed]
{in pencil} {J. Wilkes}
Creator
- The London Magazine (Organization)
Repository Details
Part of the Wilkes University Archives Repository
Contact:
84 W South St.
Wilkes-Barre PA 18701 US
570-408-2000
570-408-7823 (Fax)
ask.archives@wilkes.edu
84 W South St.
Wilkes-Barre PA 18701 US
570-408-2000
570-408-7823 (Fax)
ask.archives@wilkes.edu