Joanna Southcott the Prophetess Excommunicating the Bishops

Art Historical Context

This hand-colored etching from September 1814 captures the satirical spirit of early 19th-century British printmaking, centering on Joanna Southcott, a self-proclaimed prophetess whose apocalyptic visions drew both devoted followers and sharp public ridicule. The scene depicts dramatically excommunicating bishops a humorous inversion that highlights the tensions between popular religious enthusiasm and established church authority during the Napoleonic era. Published amid Southcott’s final prophecies, the work reflects the era’s lively culture of visual satire, where prints circulated widely to comment on current events and personalities. Created through etching—a technique that allowed for bold lines and expressive detail—the print was then hand-colored to heighten its lively, cartoonish effect. Artists and publishers such as Thomas Rowlandson, Thomas Tegg, and William Tozer often collaborated on such pieces, which were affordable and widely distributed. The modest sheet size made it easy for viewers to examine closely, inviting laughter at the exaggerated confrontation between the prophetess and the clerical figures. Today, this work in the Metropolitan Museum’s collection offers a vivid glimpse into how art shaped public discourse around faith, gender, and authority in Regency England.

About the Artist

Joanna Southcott|William Tozer|Thomas Tegg|Thomas Rowlandson (British|British|British) · 1757 |1776 |1750 –1827 |1846 |1814

British, London 1757–1827 London|British, London 1776–1846 London|British, Taleford 1750–1814 London