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"Judicious Amelioration". Alexander Baillie-Cochrane Vanity Fair caricature c1871.

by James Tissot (Coïdé)

Vanity Fair lithograph from caricature of Conservative MP, Mr. Alexander D.R. W. Baillie-Cochrane.

Caricature by Coide, the artist James Tissot (1836-1902). Looking like he enjoyed the good life, Statesman No. 98, was "...always anxious to adopt and to follow a line of his own... Taking a part in most of the important debates, he may generally be reckoned upon to approach his subject from a point of view differing more or less from those hitherto occupied. An advocate of "judicious amelioration" rather than of obstinate conservation..." he frequently annoyed his political companions, and was "alive to the charms of the fair sex".

Vanity Fair was a weekly magazine of social comment, published in London from 1868 to 1914. With eight to ten pages each issue, Vanity Fair magazine's popularity was guaranteed with the inclusion of an amusing caricature, lithographed from a watercolour, parodying any newsworthy personage. Over the years of publication it became a mark of honour to be the 'victim' of one of the magazine's caricaturists. The publisher accompanied each with a witty text, written under one of his pseudonyms, 'Jehu Junior' (after the biblical prophet who effected the downfall of his enemies). He considered the caricatures made grim faces more grim, grotesque figures more grotesque, and dull people duller by the genius of ‘Ape’" (Carlo Pellegrini, 1839-1889). It was the first time lithography had been used for caricatures. They were printed by the eminent lithographer, Vincent Brooks (1814-1885).

Page size 355 x 230 (14 x 9 inches). In good condition.

Stock Number: apVF98Price: $80.00

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