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Idol-Worship or the Way to Preferment, 1740 (engraving)
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Idol-Worship or the Way to Preferment, 1740 (engraving)
XJF863053 Idol-Worship or the Way to Preferment, 1740 (engraving) by English School, (18th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Prime Minister Robert Walpole, 1st Earl of Orford (1676-1745) at the entrance to St Jamess Palace bending forward so an ambitious young man can kiss his naked bottom, while another bowls a hoop parading Walpoles vices through an arch of his legs leading to the Treasury, Exchequer and Admiralty
); English, out of copyright
Media ID 12939832
© www.bridgemanimages.com
Admiralty Backside Bottom Bribery Corruption Earl Orford Exchequer Folly Hoop Kiss Luxury Member Parliament Pride Prime Minister Robert Walpole Taxation Taxes Treasury Vanity Vices Walpole Whig
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EDITORS COMMENTS
The engraving titled "Idol-Worship or the Way to Preferment, 1740" captures a satirical portrayal of Prime Minister Robert Walpole, known as the 1st Earl of Orford. In this comical scene, Walpole is depicted at the entrance of St James's Palace, leaning forward while an ambitious young man kisses his naked bottom. Meanwhile, another figure parades a hoop through an arch formed by Walpole's legs leading to significant institutions like the Treasury, Exchequer, and Admiralty. This artwork serves as a scathing critique of Walpole's political career and highlights themes such as bribery, corruption, taxation, wealth accumulation, pride, vanity folly luxury. The artist employs humor and exaggeration to underscore their disapproval of Walpole's governance style. As one of Britain's most influential Whig politicians in the 18th century and serving as Prime Minister for over twenty years (1721-1742), Walpole faced both admiration and criticism during his time in power. This print reflects the sentiment among those who saw him as corrupt and self-serving. The engraving not only offers historical insight into British politics but also showcases how art can be used as a tool for social commentary. It reminds us that satire has long been employed to challenge authority figures and shed light on societal issues.
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