HB - A Very Prophetical and Pathetical Allegory (Wellington)

'H.B. has, in this sketch, assumed the character of a prophet, and buried the British constitution, after a period of ten years from the passing of the Reform Act, inscribing on its tomb an English translation of a well-known Italian epitaph. The Duke of Wellington, like the forlorn and broken-hearted relict of the defunct, is laying a wreath of flowers on the grave of all that he held dear in this life. Whether the sketch be prophetical or not, let others pronounce ; but it is safe to say, that the subject is very pathetically treated.' Ref : 'An illustrative key to the Political sketches of H.B.,from no. 1 to no. 600." John Doyle (1797 - 1868), known by the pen name H.B., was an Irish-born political cartoonist, caricaturist, painter and lithographer. He issued his popular political cartoons once a month during parliamentary sessions, and continued for twenty-two years. Attached at at corners to brown backing paper, as issued. Some foxing.