Title
John Liston as Paul Pry
Subject
Date
c.1820
Dimensions
height: 19cm
width: 16cm
width: 39cm
Other materials
Woodcut
Inscription/signature
Front: "PAUL PRY"
Provenance
Formerly in the collection of Professor Jim Davis, presented by his family in December 2024
Other number
E0162
This print depicts the actor John Liston in one of his most famous roles, that of Paul Pry, the country busy-body. He is depited in the chracteristic stance, wearing striped trousers, and holding a pair of spectacles in one hand, and an umbrella and hat in the other. The border is decorated with flowers.
It is possible that this print formed the front cover of a notebook, as the reverse has a printed almanac, which includes a multiplication table, Arithmetical table and some notes on Sterling Money and Socttish money. Around the outside are mottos and sayings. It is possible this was self-printed by a stationers, as Paul Pry was a hugely popular and well recognised character, his image would have been very commercial, and could be found on snuffboxes, toby jugs, handkerchiefs - his image was even stamped on butter.