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MARY ANNE CLARKE (1776-1852). English courtier. Pandora Opening Her Box. Cartoon
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MARY ANNE CLARKE (1776-1852). English courtier. Pandora Opening Her Box. Cartoon
MARY ANNE CLARKE (1776-1852).
English courtier. Pandora Opening Her Box. Cartoon, 1809, by James Gillray lampooning Mrs. Clarkes appearance before the House of Commons on charges of conniving with Frederick, Duke of York, then commander in chief of British forces, to sell army commissions
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Media ID 12346261
1809 Aristocracy Assembly Clarke Courtier Frederick Gillray Government House Of Commons Mary Mistress Political Action Satire Scandal Serpent Thompson Pandora
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This print captures the essence of Mary Anne Clarke, an influential English courtier during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The image depicts a cartoon titled "Pandora Opening Her Box" created by James Gillray in 1809 as a satirical commentary on Mrs. Clarke's appearance before the House of Commons. In this political caricature, we witness Mrs. Clarke being portrayed as Pandora, who famously unleashed chaos upon opening her mythical box. The symbolism is clear - her actions were believed to have caused scandal and controversy within British society at that time. The cartoon serves as a reminder of the turbulent times when Mrs. Clarke faced charges of colluding with Frederick, Duke of York, who held the position of commander in chief for British forces. Allegedly involved in selling army commissions, their illicit activities shook the foundations of government and aristocracy alike. Gillray's artistic genius shines through his clever use of satire and symbolism; he portrays Mrs. Clarke with serpents slithering around her feet, representing deceit and treachery. This thought-provoking print not only offers a glimpse into historical events but also invites us to reflect on themes such as power dynamics, political action, scandalous affairs, and societal norms prevalent during that era. It serves as a testament to how art can capture significant moments in history while providing social commentary that remains relevant even today.
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