Home > Europe > United Kingdom > England > London > Politics > William Pitt
An English hobby horse, or, who pays the piper?
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
An English hobby horse, or, who pays the piper?
An English hobby horse, or, who pays the piper?. Cartoon shows Catherine II, with orb and scepter, seated on the shoulders of Leopold II who is seated on the back of a stumbling bull; seated behind him are George III, Frederick William II and a man representing Holland; in the background, William Pitt is about to strike a British citizen with a rod while chastising him for complaining about having to shoulder the expense of Pitts Russian armanment policy. Date 1791 May 11
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 7343656
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10609384
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Animals
> Farm
> Horses
> Related Images
> Animals
> Mammals
> Horse
> Related Images
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Politics
> William Pitt
EDITORS COMMENTS
This intriguing political cartoon, titled "An English Hobby Horse, or, Who Pays the Piper?", dates back to May 11, 1791, and offers a satirical commentary on the financial burdens of Britain's involvement in the Russian-Turkish War. The image depicts Catherine II of Russia, symbolized by the orb and scepter, riding on the shoulders of Leopold II of Tuscany, who in turn rides on the back of a stumbling bull. Seated behind Leopold are George III of Britain, Frederick William II of Prussia, and a man representing Holland. In the background, William Pitt, the British Prime Minister, is shown chastising a British citizen with a rod while exclaiming, "You complain, Sir! I'll teach you to grumble!" This scene represents Pitt's harsh response to British citizens who were growing increasingly concerned about the heavy financial burden of Pitt's Russian armament policy. The title of the cartoon, "An English Hobby Horse," is a reference to Pitt's perceived obsession with the Russian campaign, which many believed was a distraction from more pressing domestic issues. The cartoon's vivid imagery and clever use of symbolism offer a unique insight into the political climate of the time, as well as the public's perception of Pitt's policies and their impact on the British people. This piece of historical art serves as a reminder of the complex web of international alliances and the financial and political challenges faced by nations during times of war.
MADE IN AUSTRALIA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
