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"Old King Coal"and the Fog Demon (engraving)
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"Old King Coal"and the Fog Demon (engraving)
2777084 " Old King Coal" and the Fog Demon (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: " Old King Coal" and the Fog Demon. Illustration for Punch, 13 November 1880.); Look and Learn / George Collection
Media ID 22423438
© Look and Learn / Bridgeman Images
Acid Crucifixion Dirt Hygiene Punch Smog True Lance
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This humorous and satirical engraving titled "Old King Coal" and the Fog Demon captures the essence of 19th-century London's infamous smog. Created by an anonymous English School artist, this comic illustration was originally featured in Punch magazine on November 13,1880. The image depicts a comical scene where Old King Coal, personifying the coal industry, is seen alongside a menacing Fog Demon. The cartoon-like style adds to its amusing nature as it pokes fun at the detrimental effects of coal burning on air quality and public health during that era. With acid humor and clever caricature, this satirical drawing highlights the absurdity of London's carbonic fog problem. The artist ingeniously uses elements such as a crucifixion scene with Roman soldiers to symbolize the suffocating grip of pollution on society. While providing entertainment through its wit and funny undertones, this artwork also serves as social commentary on hygiene issues caused by industrialization. By combining elements of comedy with scathing satire, it delivers a powerful message about the consequences of neglecting environmental concerns for economic gain. Now part of a private collection but made accessible through Bridgeman Images' Fine Art Finder platform, this engraving continues to captivate viewers with its timeless relevance in addressing ecological challenges while offering an amusing glimpse into Victorian-era humor.
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