THE VOTE AUCTION

Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library

THE VOTE AUCTION

THE VOTE AUCTION satirical comment on the prevalence of bribery in British parliamentary elections Date: 1853

Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries

Media ID 20141639

© Bubblepunk

1850s 1853 Auction Bribery Bribes Comment Corruption Elections Parliamentary Punch Satirical Vote

FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS

> Mary Evans Prints Online > New Images July 2020

> Popular Themes > Politics

EDITORS COMMENTS
a satirical print from the 1850s, offers a biting commentary on the rampant corruption that pervaded British parliamentary elections during this period. The image, dated 1853, depicts a crowded auction house where votes are being sold to the highest bidder. In the foreground, a man in a top hat and tail coat, representing a wealthy landowner or industrialist, eagerly bids on a stack of votes, while a disheveled, poverty-stricken man in the background holds up his meager offering. The scene is chaotic, with various politicians and election agents jostling for position, their eyes fixed on the valuable votes up for grabs. A bribe, in the form of a bottle of gin, is being exchanged between two men, while another man, dressed as a clown, represents the farcical nature of the entire process. The punchline of the print is written in the upper left corner: "One Man One Vote." At a time when the suffrage movement was gaining momentum, and the issue of voting rights for women was being debated, "The Vote Auction" highlights the glaring contradiction of a system in which the wealthy and powerful could buy the votes of the working class. The print serves as a stark reminder of the deep-rooted corruption that plagued British politics in the mid-19th century and the urgent need for reform. The satirical commentary in "The Vote Auction" is a powerful reminder of the importance of transparency and fairness in the democratic process. The image is a poignant reflection of the past and a reminder of the ongoing struggle for equal representation and the fight against corruption in politics.

MADE IN AUSTRALIA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee

FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools

SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you

* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.