Similar
(The petitioning cantabs) (BM 1868,0808.5486)
Summary
Four undergraduates (left) wearing the gowns of fellow commoners deferentially approach a fat parson (right) seated at a table covered with food. Behind his chair stands Henry Gordon, butler of Trinity College, as in BMSat 5893, holding his wand of office and looking sourly at the petitioners. He has an erect tail, emblem of a diabolical disposition. In his right hand is a glass on a salver. All the petitioners are emaciated and melancholy; the foremost, cap in hand, bends forward, saying, "Behold! Sir your half starvd Petitioners". The next man says, "I can make a Norfolk Dumpling! Thanks be to Miss Diana Young for her instruction!" The third, his hand on his breast, says, "Allow us but a Mutton-Chop". The man farthest left, whose head and shoulders only are visible, says, "And your Petitioners shall ever pray". The parson, holding his knife and fork, looks up from his plate to answer, "No! Eating and drinking cloud yr understanding you shall have none". A sirloin, a fish, a bird, &c, are on the table. On a side-table are a decanter, a large tankard, and glasses. Through a sash-window is seen the gate of Trinity College. 13 March 1786
Hand-coloured etching
AI Findings
The Petitioning Cantabs
Cambridge, UK
A satirical print depicting Cambridge University students petitioning against the abolition of church rates.
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