Cruikshank, Isaac "A Magisterial Visit."

Attributed to Isaac Cruikshank (1764-1811). "A Magisterial Visit."

London: Fores, 1795. 11 7/8 x 8 3/4. Etching. On laid paper with fleur de lis watermark. Hand color. Very good condition. George 8686. 

Three British drinkers are alarmed when a magistrate exercises his license to disperse meetings by drinking their punch. The greater implication of the law is under the table where a dog labeled "Pitt" (Prime Minister William Pitt) snatches a bone from a muzzled "John Bull" dog.

Other caricatures by Cruikshank father and sons:

"The Freedom of Election or Hunting for Popularity and Plumpers for Maxwell."

"Lacing in Style-or a Dandy Midshipman preparing for Attraction!!" [The letters "Attr" scored through.]

"Midnight. Tom and Jerry at a Coffee Shop near the Olympic."

"A Necessary War, or Quixotism Revived or the Knight of the Little House."

"Solomon in all his Glory!!"

"By St. Peter this is no Sham - or - a New Cut for the Groom of the Stool."