‎H.B. [John Doyle]‎
‎A NOCTURNAL ADVENTURE Or a recent instance of the Evil Workings of the "Reform Bill"'s (Strong Ale)‎

‎London Thos McLean 1833 ‎

Reference : 5068

‎First edition. H.. Sketches No 251. Dated Aug 31st 1831. Image is 28.5cm x 37cm. Sheet is 35.5cm x 51.5cm. Neat an clean plate, with very fractional foxing (barely noticeable) pasted onto a mustard backing sheet. This is in good order, with a little darkening and edge wear to the right edge only. In its original uncoloured state. National Portrait Gallery Ref: NPG D41086. "An Illustrative key to the Political Sketches of H.B......" (1861). P96. Lords Brougham and Plunket, on their return to London, from a visit to Windsor Castle, were caught in a fog and lost their way, chiefly, it was said, in consequence of the efforts which the postillions had been making to fortify themselves against the weather. Lord Brougham has mounted the ample shoulders of Lord Plunket, to take an observation, on the principle mentioned by Swift, who says, "It is with human intellects as it is with liquors, the lightest is ever at the top." The appearance of the drivers bears testimony to the fact that strong ale has had something to do with the disaster; and for the solution of the riddle of " Reform Bill," whose ale appears to have done the mischief. 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.‎