I've shown this plaque before, but thought it was worth a second outing. It was one of the very first antiques I bought, when I was still at school. It measures 10 inches by 14.
It's a cast plaster plaque, dating from between 1780 and 1800, illustrating the eternal conflict between lawyers and their clients. In this case two farmers fighting over a cow, whilst the lawyer milks the profits.
It comes from the era of the Cruikshank/Gillray/Rowlandson satirical political cartoons. It may be by someone called J Bright, but I know nothing of him.
If anyone can throw further light on its origin, I'd be extremely grateful.
Very expressive cartoon. Lawyers have been milking their clients from way back when.
ReplyDeleteYup!
DeleteKnow nothing about it at all Cro - not my field. But I love it and i also like the idea that someone as young as you were was interested in buying it.
ReplyDeleteIt must have hung on my study wall. I think I had surprisingly good taste.
DeleteMy only thoughts on it is that it was probably part of a series and probably made for taverns, but that is just guessing. I like it!
ReplyDeleteIt would certainly look good on the wall of an old pub'.
DeleteLawyers have always been disliked.
ReplyDeleteVery true.
DeleteI know people who are in such a dilemma. It's making them ill. Lawyers of a certain ilk have no scruples when it comes to milking the system.
ReplyDeleteAnd their so-called clients.
DeleteOne should avoid them, if at all possible.
DeleteThat depiction is timeless. Wouldn't it be grand if we looked at it and thought it seemed so very old-fashioned and dated, from another age, and so forth.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes.
Sadly not; nothing has changed.
DeleteA nice piece and a rather clever illustration of the greedy lawyer.
ReplyDeleteI've been carrying it around with me for all that time, worrying that it'll break.
DeleteAfter dealing with two many lawyers over our recent farm and cow and milk issues, I find this plaque most hysterical. Finally I can laugh over our troubles! What an eye you have Cro.
ReplyDeleteYes, rather poignant for you Donna.
Delete