Tom Paine's Night Pest

Date1792

Artist/Maker James Gillray

MediumBlack and white line engraving and etching

DimensionsTrimmed to plate: 12 1/4" X 15 1/2"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1960-119,A

DescriptionLower margin reads: "Pub.d Dec.r 10th 1792 by H Humphrey, N.o. 18. Old Bond Street/ TOM PAINE"S Nightly Pest./ J.s G.Y design et fecit- pro bono publico."

Label TextThomas Paine lies with his legs and feet half hidden by straw. However, the curling of his toes indicated some agitation caused by his dream. Three headless judges with dependent scrolls are seen. They are inscribed with the punishments, charges and pleas of Tom Paine. Above Paine's head are the figures of 2 guardian angels. Above the bed is an open casement window out of which flies a terrified demon with his tail betwen his legs. he holds of which flies a terrified demon with his tail between his legs. He holds a fiddle but drops his bow and a sheet of music. Above the headless judges are a gallows and pillory, plus whips. Above these symbols of punishment is the scale of justice and rays of light.