60/2000

Collection

Paintings, Prints and Drawings

Brief description

Engraving after Henry William Bunbury's drawing 'THE X.MAS ACADEMICS / A COMBINATION GAME AT WHIST', engraved and published by J. Bretherton in London in 1773.

Title

THE X.MAS ACADEMICS / A COMBINATION GAME AT WHIST

Object name

print
engraving

Object number

60/2000

Production person

H.W. Bunbury (artist)
J. Bretherton (engraver)
J. Bretherton (publisher)

Production date

1773 (published)

Production place

London (published)

Period

Georgian (1714-1837)

Material

paper
pigment

Technique

printed
engraved

Physical description

Engraving on paper with publication line and title printed below and with a visible plate mark.

Content description

This caricature depicts four Oxbridge dons seated at a table playing the card game Whist. The game is played in pairs, with partners sitting opposite each other. As any comment to your partner are against the rules of the game, it appears that both pairs are cheating as they are gesturing towards their partners. A maid stands to the left of the table with a wine glass on top of a tray, a bottle in her left hand and there is a black dog standing at her feet. A man stands to the right of the table behind one of the players, holding up his hand to the man seated opposite him. On the wall in the background there is a portrait of 'Archbishop Singe', and a number of mortar board and hats. To the right of the scene there is a screen and a table covered in a cloth and has a ewer and wine glass on top of it. There is a small white dog standing in front of the table.

Dimensions

Height: 27.2cm
Width: 40.4cm

Website keywords

seating
tables
serving drink
games
pets