Prints: P1274

'Twould Puzzle a Conjurer

1827

height: 24cm
width: 34cm

Hand coloured etching

"A GREAT ACTOR (NOT LISTON) IN THE POPULAR FARCE of -/ [Below image] 'TWOULD PUZZLE A CONJURER." Speech bubble from man on left dressed as Van Dunder: "Mend 'em indeed/ it's easily said mend'em" Speech bubble from man on the right presenting a scroll: "My Name's Bull, Sir and if it may pease/ your Worships Glory, to spare a moment/ frome your pastimes, and read how bad times/ are with Us, perhas you'd have the/ goodness to mend 'em". Bottom left below image: "Seymour Delt. Shanks Sculpt"

Formerly in the collection of Professor Jim Davis, acquired by the Garrick Club in 2024

E0162

This satirical print depicts the King George IV dressed in the costume of a role made famous by John Liston, that of the conjurer, Van Dunder. He wears a connical black hat with a red ribbon, black curled wig, and a black 17th century doublet and voluninous breeches. He has a red sash around his waist and red bows on his trousers. Holding onto his arm is a lady dressed in a white dress with feathers in her hair is the Marchioness of Conyngham. The King is being presented with a petition by a gaunt man in a blue coat, and striped stockings, called John Bull. Behind him are his wife and children who look gaunt and starving. In the distance is a Giraffe that has been harnessed, ready with two saddles. The Giraffe is wearing a crown. The print is satire on the crown's ability to spend money on such frivolous and exotic pets, like a Giraffe (which arrived in August 1827), while his subjects starved.