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The Sign of the Four Alls. Satirical work by Thomas Rowlandson, circa 1810, commenting on the four estates of England: the crown, the clergy, the military and the common man - whose taxes support the first three
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The Sign of the Four Alls. Satirical work by Thomas Rowlandson, circa 1810, commenting on the four estates of England: the crown, the clergy, the military and the common man - whose taxes support the first three
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Media ID 24906014
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Army Clergy Crown Farmer Farmers King Labor Labour Manual Military Religion Royalty Satire Satirical Soldier Taxation Taxes Thomas Rowlandson Worker Workers Working Man
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The Sign of the Four Alls
EDITORS COMMENTS
is a captivating satirical work by Thomas Rowlandson, created around 1810. This thought-provoking illustration offers a commentary on the four estates of England during that time: the crown, the clergy, the military, and the common man. The image depicts how these estates were interconnected and reliant upon each other for support. At first glance, we see a regal figure representing the crown, symbolizing royalty and power. Beside them stands a religious figure embodying the clergy's influence over society. Adjacent to them is a soldier representing the military's role in protecting and enforcing order. However, it is in observing their connection to the fourth estate -the common man- that Rowlandson brings forth his satire. The common man is depicted as an ordinary worker or farmer burdened with heavy taxes that sustain these three privileged estates above him. Rowlandson's illustration serves as both historical documentation and social critique. It highlights how taxation was disproportionately placed upon those who could least afford it while supporting institutions that often seemed detached from everyday life. This print invites us to reflect on societal structures and inequalities prevalent during this period in English history. It reminds us of our responsibility to question authority and advocate for fairness within our own societies today.
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