George Moutard Woodward.

A Long Headed Election.

14 x 10 inches

Etching in original and vibrant hand colour, engraved by Woodward (possibly after Williams) and published (most probably) in November 1806.

The world of politics has always been open to corruption and controversy. It is likely that Woodward's bawdy but beautifully observed image was in response to the election of November 1806. At the hustings, standing to the right with three of his supporters, is the potential candidate, Mr. Solomon Sheepface. He gazes into the crowd with a gormless expression but, we are told, ''he is so harmless he would not hurt a worm'' and reassuringly, ''once elected he will say Aye or No just as the occasion may require''. Clearly Mr. Sheepface of Sheepface Hall is completely impressionable and can be persuaded to vote as his supporters see fit. He is in essence, a political stooge. All the figures have grotesquely elongated heads and are known as ''Long Heads''. The crowd is divided with one shout of support, ''Sheepface for ever, Huzza'' and an opposing view, simply put: ''No Sheepface''. Reminiscent of plate two of Hogarth's Election series we are reminded that politicians, however lofty, needed to canvass for votes and garner support amongst the electorate. The only person actually reading the manifesto is an old crone who remains decidedly unconvinced by the rhetoric!

£450