The Devonshire, or Most Approved Method of Securing Votes
Original title: The Devonshire, or Most Approved Method of Securing Votes
kurzbeschreibung
Published in April 1784, this hand-coloured etching by Thomas Rowlandson captures a satirical scene of political canvassing. A woman in a red and blue dress embraces another woman and a man, clutching a box labelled 'Ships You for Ever'.
Description
Three figures dominate the foreground: a woman in red and blue has thrown her arms around a woman in purple and a man in a blue shirt and yellow breeches. In her hand she carries a box reading 'Ships You for Ever'. Behind them stands another man in a red shirt and black cap, holding a letter. The poses are exaggerated, and the strong reds, blues, purples and yellows stand out sharply against one another.
Context
The print appeared during the British general election of 1784, when the Duchess of Devonshire campaigned publicly for Charles James Fox. Rowlandson took up the heated debate over women's involvement in politics and the tactics of canvassing for votes. It was issued on 12 April 1784, in the middle of the contest.
Impact
The overblown figures and restless arrangement read as comic, exposing the absurdity of political campaigning. Vivid colour draws the eye to the central group and sharpens the satirical edge.
Technique
Rowlandson etched the plate and then coloured it by hand. The precise lines and hatching of the etching are set off by bold areas of colour, a method typical of his caricatures.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)