Home > Arts > Artists > P > D.J. Pound
Cartoon, Little birds who can sing
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Cartoon, Little birds who can sing
Cartoon, Little birds who can sing and don t sing must not be surprised if they have to pay fifty pounds sometimes. John Sims Reeves (1821-1900), operatic, oratorio and ballad singer, had been unable to perform because of a bad throat.
1885
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 23267552
© Mary Evans Picture Library
1885 Acte Ballad Bryan Entr Entracte Fifty Operatic Oratorio Parrot Penalty Perch Perform Pounds Reeves Sims Sing Singer Throat Unable Voice Lozenges
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Animals
> Fishes
> P
> Perch
> Arts
> Artists
> D
> Alfred
> Related Images
> Arts
> Artists
> P
> D.J. Pound
> Mary Evans Prints Online
> New Images August 2021
EDITORS COMMENTS
John Sims Reeves, a renowned operatic, oratorio, and ballad singer of the late Victorian era, was known for his powerful and captivating voice. However, in February 1885, his career was unexpectedly disrupted when he fell ill with a bad throat. Unable to perform, Sims Reeves turned to humor to lift his spirits. In this cartoon, published in 1885, we see a parrot and two little birds perched on a branch, with the caption 'Little birds who can sing (and those who can't) must not be surprised if they have to pay fifty pounds sometimes.' The cartoon, with its playful use of birds as a metaphor for singers, pokes fun at the financial penalties singers faced if they were unable to perform due to illness. Sims Reeves himself may have found solace in the humor, as he was known to have a good sense of humor despite his difficult situation. The cartoon, titled 'Entr'acte,' was likely published as an intermission entertainment during a theatrical performance. The image of the birds, with their quizzical expressions and the parrot's exaggerated pose, adds to the lighthearted tone of the illustration. Despite his setback, Sims Reeves eventually recovered and returned to the stage, continuing to captivate audiences with his impressive vocal abilities. This charming cartoon serves as a reminder of the resilience and sense of humor that artists, even those facing adversity, can possess.
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.
