Sceptical Collection

John Bull and Lloyd George with the 1909 Budget, 1909 (litho)
KDC397325 John Bull and Lloyd George with the 1909 Budget, 1909 (litho) by Partridge, Bernard John (1861-1945); Private Collection; (add.info)

Punch cartoon: A Logical Refutation of Mr Darwins Theory (engraving)
6034792 Punch cartoon: A Logical Refutation of Mr Darwins Theory (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Punch cartoon)

Incredulity of Saint Thomas and Christ and the Virgin Interceding with God the Father
3597167 Incredulity of Saint Thomas and Christ and the Virgin Interceding with God the Father and The Nativity (tempera and gold leaf on panel), c.1445-50 by Witz

CLAIRVOYANCE
A satirical and sceptical comment by Cruikshank. Date: 1845

The Lecture, 1808, (1827). Creator: Thomas Cook
The Lecture, 1808, (1827). A group of Oxford scholars listen to William Fisher, Registrar of the University. Engraving after Scholars at a lecture of 1736 by Hogarth

The Lecture, 1736, (1830s). Creator: Unknown
The Lecture, 1736, (1830s). A group of Oxford scholars listen to William Fisher, Registrar of the University. Facsimile of Scholars at a lecture. [Jones & Co. Finsbury Square, London]

Doubting Thomas, 1634. Artist: Rembrandt Harmensz van Rijn
Doubting Thomas, 1634. Picture illustrating episode related in the in St Johns Gospel (Ch20, vs19-29) where the Apostle Thomas puts his hand in the wound in the risen Saviours side as he doubts what

Doubting Thomas, c1268. Artist: T oros Roslin
Doubting Thomas, c1268. The Disciple, Thomas, putting his hand into the lance wound in the side of the risen Jesus to make sure that the Saviour was real

Rene Descartes, caricature
Rene Descartes. Caricature of the French philosopher and mathematician Rene Descartes (1596-1650). While travelling in Europe as a young man

Man wearing a smoking, portrait

Group of workers discussing retirement at the age of 65 and tax deductions on salary
XIR411558 Group of workers discussing retirement at the age of 65 and tax deductions on salary to fund state pensions, cartoon from L Assiette au Beurre, 8 July, 1902 (colour litho) by Delannoy

Eight-year-old girl viewing her drink skeptically

Eight-year-old girl thinking

Portrait of a girl with red hair

Red-haired girl, portrait

Young woman leaning against a wall

Young woman lying on a sofa with an MP3 player, listening to music through headphones

Young woman leaning against a wall, portrait

Young woman holding onto a metal construction

Young woman wearing a black tank top

Young woman, portrait

A rather tall tale of the largest fish ever caught
" My Father e once caught a fishas big -as our street!" " Well, then, it must ave bin a Whale." " Garn, e were baitin wi Whales!" Date: 1901

Donald H Menzel
Astronomer, author of three books taking a strongly sceptical approach to UFOs, considering them largely to be natural phenomena

Hutchinsons Essay
Title-page of the ESSAY CONCERNING WITCHCRAFT by the Rev Francis HUTCHINSON, a splendidly sceptical view of the subject

Zola / Pelerin 1923
EMILE ZOLA Satirical comment on his novel, Lourdes (1894) - the Devil teaches him to be sceptical about miracles

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"Sceptical: Challenging Beliefs and Questioning Assumptions throughout History" In the realm of skepticism, figures like John Bull and Lloyd George with the 1909 Budget come to mind. Their critical analysis of economic policies sparked debates that shaped nations. Similarly, Punch cartoon's "A Logical Refutation of Mr Darwin's Theory" highlights how even scientific theories face scrutiny. The theme of skepticism extends beyond politics and science. In works like "Incredulity of Saint Thomas, " doubt becomes a catalyst for spiritual growth as Christ and the Virgin intercede with God the Father. Meanwhile, clairvoyance explores the boundaries between belief and disbelief in unseen forces. Historically, skeptics have been present in various forms. From Thomas Cook's thought-provoking lectures in 1808 to an unknown artist depicting "The Lecture" in 1736, these individuals challenged conventional wisdom by encouraging critical thinking. Artistic expressions also capture skepticism beautifully. Rembrandt Harmensz van Rijn's masterpiece "Doubting Thomas" portrays a moment where doubt meets faith, reminding us that questioning can lead to profound revelations. T oros Roslin echoes this sentiment through his depiction from c1268. Even renowned philosophers were not exempt from skeptical inquiry; caricatures of Rene Descartes illustrate his contemplative nature as he sought truth through rigorous doubt. Michel De Montaigne further exemplifies this mindset with his writings exploring human nature and challenging societal norms. Throughout history, skepticism has played a vital role in shaping our understanding of the world around us. It encourages us to question assumptions, challenge beliefs, and seek deeper truths beyond surface-level acceptance—a testament to humanity's innate curiosity and thirst for knowledge.