London: Thos McLean. First edition. H.B. Sketches No 269. Dated June 18th 1833. To the centre of the image is Sir Thomas Fowell Buxton Bt. a politician who advocated for the emancipation of slaves. He is surrounded by a circle of newly freed slaves. The music is supplied by Mr. Stanley, the Colonial Secretary ; and Lord Althorp, as Chancellor of the Exchequer, calls on John Bull to pay the piper, as he had called for the dance. John Bull is not so keen now, and asks why Buxton (who here represents all emancipators, and particularly the Quakers) should not pay. This print is referring to the newly passed Slavery Abolition Act of 1833. This Act abolished slavery across most of the British Empire, freeing over 800,000 enslaved individuals, primarily in the Caribbean, South Africa, and Canada. £20 million was allocated to compensate slave owners. It received Royal Assent on August 28, 1833, and took effect on August 1, 1834. The Act introduced a system of "apprenticeship," requiring formerly enslaved individuals over six years old to continue working for their former masters for a transitional period. This system ended fully by 1838 due to widespread resistance. Clear image, with some light to the edges of the image. Pasted onto a mustard card backing. Backing card is chipped to the edges but could be neatly trimmed. Remnant of paper stuck to one edge. Print is 35cm x 26cm. Backing card is 51cm x 36cm Conforms to National Portrait Gallery item NPG D41204. "An Illustrative key to the Political Sketches of H.B......" (1861). P169.
John Doyle (1797–1868), known by the pen name H.B., was an influential Irish caricaturist, political cartoonist, painter, and lithographer. He is considered a pioneer of "polite caricature," a style that avoided grotesque exaggerations and instead relied on wit and subtle humor to critique political figures and events. His work marked a departure from the harsh satire of earlier artists like James Gillray and Thomas Rowlandson. In 1827 Doyle began publishing political prints anonymously. From 1829-1851 Doyle published his well-known Political Sketches series, signing his work with the initials "HB" to hide his identity.
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