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John Gilpin on his bolting horse being chased by passers-by, 1878, (c1918). Creator
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John Gilpin on his bolting horse being chased by passers-by, 1878, (c1918). Creator
John Gilpin on his bolting horse being chased by passers-by, 1878, (c1918). Riders shout Stop thief! Stop thief! A Highwayman!, and set off in pursuit, wrongly assuming that as Gilpin is being chased by the postboy, he must be a criminal. A signpost points to Ware in Hertfordshire. John Gilpin was the subject of a comic ballad of 1782 by William Cowper entitled " The Diverting History of John Gilpin". The ballad, based on real-life character, describes how, on a journey to Edmonton (north in London), Gilpin, a draper, became separated from his wife and children after losing control of his horse, and ended up in the town of Ware, ten miles away from his intended destination. From " The Diverting History of John Gilpin", by William Cowper. [Frederick Warne and Co. London & New York, c1918]
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Media ID 18325277
© The Print Collector/Heritage Images
Alarmed Caldecott Chasing Cowper Galloping Hertfordshire John Gilpin Out Of Control Panic Randolph Randolph Caldecott Road Sign Signpost Ware Whip William Cowper Metaphor
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the chaotic scene of John Gilpin on his bolting horse, being chased by a group of passers-by. Taken in 1878 and later printed around 1918, this image depicts an incident inspired by the comic ballad "The Diverting History of John Gilpin" written by William Cowper in 1782. In the picture, riders can be seen shouting "Stop thief! Stop thief! A Highwayman!" as they mistakenly assume that Gilpin is a criminal fleeing from justice. The setting is marked by an old signpost pointing towards Ware, a town located in Hertfordshire, England. The humor and irony behind this image lie in the fact that Gilpin is actually just an ordinary draper who lost control of his horse during a journey to Edmonton but ended up ten miles away from his intended destination. Yet, due to the confusion caused by his frantic ride, he becomes the subject of mistaken identity and panic among those witnessing the spectacle. Photographer Randolph Caldecott skillfully captures both the sense of alarm and amusement through vivid colors and dynamic composition. This print serves as a visual metaphor for moments when life takes unexpected turns and highlights how quickly assumptions can lead people astray. With its historical context rooted in eighteenth-century England, this photograph offers viewers a glimpse into rural British countryside life while showcasing Caldecott's artistic prowess. It remains an enduring testament to William Cowper's humorous tale brought to life through imagery over a century later.
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