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The Property Tax, pub. 1814 (hand-coloured engraving) by Charles Williams (1776-1820)
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The Property Tax, pub. 1814 (hand-coloured engraving) by Charles Williams (1776-1820)
1144584 The Property Tax, pub. 1814 (hand-coloured engraving) by Charles Williams (1776-1820) by British School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: William Pitt, the Younger (1759 - 1806); introduced Income Tax in 1798 to pay off National Debt; John Bull, a prosperous citizen, seated in an upright chair on a boarded floor, gazes up in angry consternation at a blue Devil with webbed wings who hovers above him and symbolizes the Income Tax.); The Stapleton Collection
Media ID 25058604
© The Stapleton Collection / Bridgeman Images
Coins Demon Demons Economic Economy Evil Floorboards Ghost John Bull Magnet Personification Pocket Prime Minister Regency Taxation Taxes Waistcoat William Pitt National Debt
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The Property Tax
EDITORS COMMENTS
is a captivating hand-coloured engraving by Charles Williams that offers a satirical commentary on the introduction of Income Tax in 1798 by Prime Minister William Pitt. In this intriguing image, we see John Bull, a prosperous citizen symbolizing the British public, seated in an upright chair on a boarded floor. His face displays angry consternation as he gazes up at a blue Devil with webbed wings hovering above him, representing the dreaded Income Tax. The composition cleverly personifies the burden and evil nature of taxation through visual symbolism. The demon-like figure represents how taxes seem to haunt and drain individuals of their hard-earned wealth. John Bull's expression captures the frustration felt by many citizens who were forced to contribute towards paying off the national debt. The attention to detail in this Georgian-era cartoon is remarkable; from coins falling out of John Bull's pocket to magnets attached to his waistcoat, it highlights how taxes have an uncanny ability to attract money away from its rightful owners. The boarded floor beneath him serves as a reminder that even one's home is not exempt from these financial impositions. Charles Williams' skillful satire and political commentary make "The Property Tax" an invaluable piece within British art history. It sheds light on the economic struggles faced during this period while offering viewers both then and now an opportunity for reflection on issues surrounding wealth distribution and government policies.
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