The Lord Chancellor

Richard Doyle

1898

Wood-engraving

9.5 cm high x 4 cm wide (3 ¾ by 1 ½ inches), vignetted

Third extra illustration for W. M. Thackeray's The Rose and The Ring (first published 1855): Chapter VIII, "How Gruffanuff Picked The Fairy Ring Up, and Prince Bulbo Came to Court," p. 257. Descriptive headline: "Flourish Trumpets! Rattle Drums! / Royal Bulbo This Way Comes!" (pp. 256-257).

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Doyle completely abandons realistic portraiture for Thackeray's cartoon-like style in this headpiece for Chapter VIII. He seems to be relishing the opportunity to emulate the Thackerian caricature by describing the flowing (artificial) locks of the grim-faced Chancellor, whose court outfit includes such eighteenth-century features as exaggerated, embroidered cuffs, an oversized lace neckcloth, high-heeled shoes, and a tricorn hat. To complete the study Doyle has the Chancellor taking snuff.

Scanned image and text by Philip V. Allingham.

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