Two sailors with amputated legs, an eyepatch and an amputated arm moving with the aid of crutches. Etching by S.B., 1783.
- B. S.
- Date:
- 20 September 1783
- Reference:
- 43959i
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- Online
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Description
The two maimed sailors support themselves on crutches on the irregular cobble-stones of a London street. The sailor on the left holds his hat in his left hand as if begging, a crutch under his arm; his left leg is amputated, his right arm, which is without a hand, is raised towards his face, his right eye is bandaged. The sailor on the right is in back view and has lost his right leg and supports himself on two crutches
Publication/Creation
[London] (116 Strand) : W. Dent, 20 September 1783.
Physical description
1 print : etching ; image 18.4 x 22.6 cm
Contributors
Lettering
The sailor's return, or British valor rewarded.S.B. "Some, for hard masters, broken under arms," "In battle lopt away, with half their limbs" "Beg bitter bread, tho' realms their valor sav'd- Young's Night Thoughts
Six lines of lettering in ink at the top and bottom of the print elaborate on the political events of 1783
Creator/production credits
The poem quoted beneath the print is Edward Young's (1683-1765) "The Complaint:or, Night Thoughts (1742-45), a long, didactic poem on death
References note
Dorothy George, Catalogue of political and personal satires, London, British Museum Publications Ltd., 1978, vol. V, p. 730, no. 6262
Reference
Wellcome Collection 43959i
Type/Technique
Languages
Where to find it
Location Status Access Closed stores