Out of Place and Unpension'd

Date1769

Designed and engraved by John Collet (1725?-1780)

Publisher Robert Sayer (1725-1794)

Publisher John Edward Smith

OriginEngland, London

MediumHand-colored line engraving

DimensionsOverall: 14 1/4 × 10 1/2in. (36.2 × 26.7cm) Other (Plate): 12 1/2 × 9 5/8in. (31.8 × 24.4cm)

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1980-190

DescriptionThe lower margin reads: "Out of Place and Unpension'd./ I. Collet inv.t & del./ Published as the Act directs, Nov.r 9.th, 1769 by J.no Smith, No. 35 in Cheapside, & Rob.t Sayer, No. 53 in Fleet Street London"
Label TextThis print is one of a pair of political satirical prints that address corruption in political office and the dichotomies of ideology over money and power (see 1980-189 "In Place_Ha! Ha! Hah!"). The subject of this print is a supporter of the progressive and radical MP John Wilkes the radical MP from Middlesex in England who spoke out about the British Government in the 1760s and 1770s as opposed to the subject of 1980-189, who is a supporter of Lord Bute and the King. The title, "Out of Place and Unpension'd" refers to a "placeman" which was a derogatory term for someone appointed to an office as a reward for their support or influence. The print suggests that due to his support of Wilkes, he has sacrificed the benefits of a government pension. Unlike the subject of 1980-189, who is well-dressed and jovial, this subject his unhappy and plainly dressed, dining on simple meal of bread, radishes, carrots, and beer. "The Middlesex Journal" was a newspaper that supported John Wilkes. A broadside, referring to "The Middlesex Petition" hangs on the wall behind him. This broadside was a petition signed in May 1769 by supporters of Wilkes to protest decisions to overturn his election three times in February, March, and April 1769. A portrait print of John Wilkes (1975-188) hangs in the background hangs on the wall behind the subject, a direct contrast to the portrait of Wilkes' political enemy Lord Bute depicted in 1980-189.