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John Bull and the Sinking Fund or A Pretty Scheme for Reducing Taxes
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John Bull and the Sinking Fund or A Pretty Scheme for Reducing Taxes
NCO191209 John Bull and the Sinking Fund or A Pretty Scheme for Reducing Taxes and Paying off the National Debt, published by Hannah Humphrey in 1807 (hand-coloured etching) by Gillray, James (1757-1815); 40x28 cm; Courtesy of the Warden and Scholars of New College, Oxford; (add.info.: Lord Henry Petty (1780-1863) as Chancellor of the Exchequer shovelling coins onto the heads of government ministers; personification of Great Britain bearing weight; ); English, out of copyright
Media ID 22932394
© Bridgeman Images
Bearing Collecting Dividends Eager Excess Excitement Funds Gathering Greed Load Member Of Parliament Minister Political Satire Revenue Riches Sack Shovel Showering Spade Strain Taxes Back Breaking Regency
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In this print titled "John Bull and the Sinking Fund or A Pretty Scheme for Reducing Taxes" created by James Gillray in 1807, we are presented with a satirical depiction of Lord Henry Petty as Chancellor of the Exchequer. The scene unfolds with Lord Petty enthusiastically shoveling coins onto the heads of government ministers, symbolizing their eagerness to collect taxes and reduce national debt. The personification of Great Britain, represented by John Bull, bears the weight of this excessive taxation burden. With an expression that conveys strain and exhaustion, John Bull is overwhelmed by the gathering riches being showered upon him. This political satire highlights the greed and excesses within Parliament as they prioritize revenue generation over public welfare. Gillray's masterful hand-colored etching captures not only the excitement but also the back-breaking consequences of such money-grabbing policies. The image showcases a ministerial portrait during England's Regency period when wealth was concentrated among a select few while ordinary citizens struggled under heavy tax loads. Through clever symbolism and biting humor, Gillray exposes both the strain placed on taxpayers and politicians' insatiable appetite for revenue. This engraving serves as a stark reminder that while funds may be raised through taxation, it is essential to strike a balance between financial stability and societal well-being.
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