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

Isaac Cruikshank (1764-1811). "A Necessary War, or Quixotism Revived or the Knight of the Little House."

London: Jno. Sqabble [sic] Oxford St, March 12, 1792. 8 3/4 x 13 (image). Engraving. Original hand color. Full margins. George 8165. 

Sir George Younge holds a pen (instead of a match) to the touch hole of his cannon so that he can blast the door off an outhouse. One pane is already blown off, and a young lady prepares to chop the door with a huge axe. An elderly lady resists the other one. Dorothy George relates that this caricature depicts a squabble over possession of a house that Younge sold to Sir John de la Pole. Possibly the property is the Great House at Colyton, which is reduced here to a "necessary house." A wonderful image intended to feed gossip and mirth.

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.]

"A Magisterial Visit."

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

"Solomon in all his Glory!!"

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