A Classical Subject! "Demitto auviculas, ut uniquoe asellus, Cum gravius dorso subiit onus_"

Art Historical Context

This 1836 lithograph, titled *A Classical Subject!*, a witty glimpse into British life during the turbulent following the Reform Act. Created as a collaborative print—drawn by John Doyle ( as “HB”), lithographed by Alfred Ducôte, and published by Thomas McLean—it depicts leading statesmen of the day, including Sir Robert Peel, Daniel O’Connell, Lord John Russell, and others, through the playful yet pointed imagery of men and donkeys. The Latin inscription, drawn from classical sources, underscores the satire: it likens overburdened politicians to a donkey whose ears droop under an ever-heavier load. As a medium, lithography allowed for rapid, affordable reproduction, making such caricatures widely accessible and influential in shaping public opinion. The sheet’s modest size and crisp line work reflect the commercial print culture of the period, when visual satire served as both entertainment and political commentary. The Metropolitan Museum’s impression, acquired through the Elisha Whittelsey Fund, preserves this lively moment of 19th-century discourse. The work’s enduring appeal lies in its blend of classical allusion and topical humor, inviting viewers to consider how leaders bear—or buckle under—the weight of responsibility.

About the Artist

Sir Robert Peel|Thomas McLean|John Doyle|Edward George Geoffrey Smith-Stanley, 14th Earl of Derby|George William Frederick Howard, 7th Earl of Carlisle|Lord John Russell|Alfred Ducôte|Daniel O'Connell (Irish|British|British|British|British|British) · 1797 |1777 |1830 |1788 |1769 |1788 –1868 |1855 |1840 |1850 |1852 |1875

Irish, Dublin 1797–1868 London|British, 1777–1855|British, active 1830–40|British, Bury 1788–1850 London|British, 1769–1852|British, 1788–1875