Johnny New-Come in the Island of Jamaica

Date1800

Retailed by William Holland

MediumEtching with aquatint on wove paper with hand coloring

DimensionsOverall: 13 7/8 × 20 1/2in. (35.2 × 52.1cm)

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number2022-23

DescriptionLower margin reads: "A.J. 67 Reg.t inven.t et pinxet./ London, Published by Will.m Holland, N.o 50. Oxford Street. Oct.r 1, 1800/ JOHNNY NEW-COME in the ISLAND of JAMAICA."
Label TextThrough a series of vignettes, this satirical print it shows the downfall and ultimate demise of an Englishman who has recently arrived on the island of Jamaica called Johnny New-come. It is based on drawings by Ensign Abraham James, 67th South Hampshire Regiment of Foot, a soldier in the British army. When the 67th were evacuated from Saint Domingue (Haiti) to Jamica until November 1801. James recorded his experiences in Jamaica through satirical imagery. Upon his return to England, they were engraved by William Holland.