George Cruikshank
The progress of disappointment, or the hopes of a day.-
London, M. Jones November 1st .1815, The Scourge
Etching
Original hand colouring
211 x 490 mm
Traces of old folds as issued
£350
A sequence of three designs, each with a caption, representing the experiences of the narrator (pp. 823-30) in a single day. [1] ‘A Joint Stock Company dividing their Losses—’ The chairman of the company stands at the head of a cloth-covered table addressing the stockholders. On his right are three men (left), who have risen indignantly from their chairs; one is a bearded Jew who exclaims "Tarn the Tevil." Two others are seated on his left; one rests his elbows on the table, supporting his head; he says: "They call this a Joint Stock Compy I think it will be a joint loss one." Two men stand behind (right); one asks: "How are Stocks to Day?" The other answers: "D—d low." The chairman, with a bland expression, says: "Gentlemen, depend upon it this is a flourishing concern—-for though you get nothing yet, you will be sure to have something at last Only subscribe a little more money and then it will all come in a lump." On the table is a large paper inscribed ‘Debts £40,000 Devidend £0. 0. 0.’, with two open books: ‘Report’ and ‘History of the South Sea Bubble’. A third book lies on the ground: ‘Life of John Law the Celebrated Projector’. On the wall behind the chairman is a picture: a naked infant blows soap-bubbles; he is seated on piles of paper inscribed ‘500 Shares’ and ‘Waste Paper’. [2] ‘A Bankrupt settleing with his Creditors—’ An obese and hideous ‘cit’ (left) stands with outspread hands before six angry and dismayed creditors. They are grouped at a round table covered with a green cloth on which are a ‘Ledger’ and ‘Day Book’. He says: "Here I am Gentlemen, do with me as you please— my body is yours but my Chattels are gone to the devil—I assure you I conceal nothing for I have nothing to conceal." One of the victims, a baker, says: "a d—d bad batch." The others are silent. One is a butcher, in over-sleeves and apron, with his steel hanging from his waist. On the wall are four pictures (left to right): card-players (part only); ‘City Feast’, guests at two tables with a chairman between and above both; ‘Prodigal Son’, he revels with harlots, and ‘Harlot’s Prog[ress]’, based on plate 2 of Hogarth’s series (No. 2046). Cf. No. 12779. [3] ‘A Legacy forgotten—’ The narrator (right), a young man in top-boots, stands dejectedly in a snug parlour, a wine-glass falling from his hand. A young man in black holding his father’s will, turns to the visitor, pointing to the last words on the will which runs: "I will… in sound bo ….. I bequeath to my Dear Nephew—" He says: "Just as my poor father wrote these words he expired I know he meant to do something handsome for you & as I wish to fulfil his intentions pray accept this mourning ring." The disappointed man says: "I assure you I most deeply lament my uncle’s death just at that moment. Oh that he had lived a minute longer! What a d—d hurry he must have been in!" He holds a large handkerchief and registers grief. Behind a small table on which is a plum-cake the widow is pouring wine, having just returned from the funeral. Above the chimney-piece is a map showing the ‘Cape of Good Hope’. Beside it is a half length portrait of an elderly man.
