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Cartoon, A Great Stream from a Petty Fountain
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Cartoon, A Great Stream from a Petty Fountain
Cartoon, A Great Stream from a Petty Fountain, or, John Bull swamped in the Flood of new Taxes; Cormorants fishing in the Stream, by James Gillray. A satirical comment on excessive taxation and greedy politicians. Date: 1806
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Media ID 14230279
© The Sharp Illustration Collection / Mary Evans Picture Library
1800s 1806 Bull Comment Cormorant Cormorants Criticism Drowning Economy Excessive Finance Flood Fountain Gillray Greed Greedy Harsh Injustice Money Petty Politicians Satire Satirical Sinking Stream Swallowing Taxation Taxes Unfair Unjust Swamped
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A Great Stream from a Petty Fountain,
EDITORS COMMENTS
a satirical masterpiece by renowned British caricaturist James Gillray, offers a harsh commentary on excessive taxation and the greed of politicians during the early 19th century. Dated 1806, this powerful cartoon depicts a chaotic scene of John Bull, the national personification of England, being swamped in a flood of new taxes. The title "Petty Fountain" is a clever play on words, as "petty" refers to small taxes, while the "great stream" symbolizes the overwhelming and burdensome taxation. Amidst the tumultuous waters, various politicians are shown shamelessly collecting taxes from an unsuspecting populace. The scene is further emphasized by the presence of cormorants, which represent the politicians, swallowing up the fish (taxpayers) with an insatiable greed. The cormorants' feeding frenzy in the stream underscores the unjust and unfair nature of the taxation system. John Bull, who is depicted in a sinking boat, is drowning under the weight of the taxes, symbolizing the financial burden on the common people. The cartoon's title, "A Great Stream from a Petty Fountain," encapsulates the idea that the seemingly insignificant taxes, when collected en masse, can create a torrent of financial hardship for the masses. This powerful and poignant satire by James Gillray serves as a reminder of the historical injustices and the importance of holding politicians accountable for their actions. The cartoon's enduring relevance continues to resonate with audiences today, as issues of excessive taxation and political greed remain prevalent in contemporary society.
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