Intelligence on the Peace

DateCa. 1783

Publisher Carington Bowles (1724 - 1793)

MediumMezzotint with line engraving; period color

DimensionsOH: 14 1/2" x OW: 10 3/4" overall; plate 9 3/4" x 12 7/8"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1962-209

DescriptionLower margin: "INTELLIGENCE on the PEACE./ Printed for & Sold by CARINGTON BOWLES, at his Map & Print Warehouse. N.o 69 in S.t Pauls Church Yard LONDON/ Published as the Act directs/ 495"
Label TextA London street, a cobbler reading the Gazette to a group of intent listeners. He stands outside his stall, which is protected by a large building behind. A number of placards have been pasted to the wall of the building. Among them are one that is headed Proclamation of Peace, and ending God Save the King. A street-lamp projects from the wall on a bracket; against this rests a ladder on which stands a man who is about to insert the oil-container and wick which his assistant below is supposed to be filling. However, he is so intent on what the cobbler is reading that he is pours the oil on the groung instead of into the lamp. Facing the cobbler is a little chimney-sweep, his bag and brushes over his shoullder. A stout man, carrying a basket. puts out his tongue at the reader. The other listeners are a baker with a cylindrical basket of bread on his back; a barber carrying a wig-box inscribed Mr Thos Tiplle and a scowling man whose head and shoulders are visible.