The Hermits Visit

Anon

The Hermits Visit

Edinburgh ? ca 1825

Etching

Original hand colouring

240 x 185 mm

£125

A rare satire.

Robert Johnston, 1765 – 1838. Dean of Guild, Edinburgh, is walking between the hills, with a view of Edinburgh in the background. Tall and lean, dressed in grey he carries a stick tucked under his armpit. In his right hand he holds a huge Key to the City, in his left he holds a document inscribed Improvements of the City and suburbs. Waterloo. Subscription £1000. Behind him, small figures are working on the land with pick axes and spades.

Below the image are two lines of verse

High on the Hill known to public view.

From youth to age a rev’rend hermit grew.