The Show-Man

Isaac Cruikshank after George Woodward

The Show-Man

London, S W Fores, 1793

Etching

Original hand colouring

310 x 235 mm

Trimmed within platemark, and publication line.

£350

A rare satire on the subject of a peep show.

A tall showman, wearing a long coat, hat with clay pipe attached, and a long pig tail stretching down past his waist. He stands , operating the peep show with his right hand and pointing towards his customer, a ruddy faced rustic type. The cshowman says Keep your eye close to the glass – and you will see a large vide place full of Death & Destruction – where more plagues await de frequenters den contained in de famous Box of Pandora.The customer, bending forward eagerly, cap in hand, replies Well, you be a droll blade however – I see nothing but a Potticary’s Shop !!

The peep show box is topped with a barred cylinder where a rodent is running round, causing the bells above to ring.