‎H.B. [John Doyle]‎
‎Reform. A design for a Monument to commemorate the passing of the Reform Bill‎

‎London Thos McLean 1833 ‎

Reference : 5066

‎First edition. H.B. Sketches No 258. Dated May 4th 1833. A tall monument. the figure on the top of the monument is that of Earl Grey, and the two involuntary supporters, sitting below, represent the Duke of Wellington (on the left) and Sir Robert Peel (on the right). A nice clean copy of this satire, with just a touch of foxing to it. Pasted onto a light brown backing sheet. This has a little edgewear, with a small closed tear to the top edge. There is a small embossed stamp from McLean to the bottom right. In its original uncoloured state. Image is 39.5cm x 24cm. Sheet is 51.5cm x 35.5cm. " An Illustrative key to the Political Sketches of H.B......" (1861). P160. This quotes Earl Grey as saying "Hitherto society, in this happy island, has been constructed upon the model of a cone; the common people forming the base, the monarch the apex, and the various other classes ranging in order in the intermediate space. For my own aggrandizement I have reversed the figure. I well know that, if left to itself, this state of society could not endure, any more than a cone could stand unsupported upon its apex. But here is my master-stroke of policy. The broad base of the populace makes a firm footing for me; and my opponents are as much interested as I am in supporting me; because, if they desert me, the cone will fall, and anarchy, as fatal to them as to myself, will ensue." John Doyle (17971868), known by the pen name H.B., was an influential Irish caricaturist, political cartoonist, painter, and lithographer. He is considered a pioneer of "polite caricature," a style that avoided grotesque exaggerations and instead relied on wit and subtle humor to critique political figures and events. His work marked a departure from the harsh satire of earlier artists like James Gillray and Thomas Rowlandson. In 1827 Doyle began publishing political prints anonymously. From 1829-1851 Doyle published his well-known Political Sketches series, signing his work with the initials "HB" to hide his identity.‎