The South Sea Scheme 1721
Etching and engraving | 26.2 x 33.0 cm (platemark) | RCIN 811308
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A satirical engraving imagining the downfall of London in the wake of the collapse of the South Sea Company in 1720. To the right is the base of the Monument to the rebuilding of London after the 1666 fire. Before it Hogarth shows a carousel and scenes of gambling theft and torture. Below is an explanatory and moralising verse, which explains that the print shows the 'causes why in London, / So many Men are made & undone'. The print was sold through the printsellers Mrs Chilcot (based in Westminster Hall) and Richard Caldwell (based in Newgate Street). A preparatory drawing, in black chalk, is also in the Royal Collection (RCIN 913479).
Provenance
Purchased by Queen Victoria at the H.P. Standly sale (Christie's 14 April 1845, lot 1249)
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Creator(s)
(designer)(engraver)(print seller)(print seller)Acquirer(s)
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Medium and techniques
Etching and engraving
Measurements
26.2 x 33.0 cm (platemark)
27.5 x 34.2 cm (sheet of paper)
Category
Object type(s)