Item #13637 The great South Sea Caterpillar, transform'd into a Bath Butterfly. Joseph Banks, James Gillray.

The great South Sea Caterpillar, transform'd into a Bath Butterfly.

London: H. Humphrey No. 37 New Bond Street, ca 1850. Satirical cartoon spoofing the social elevation of Joseph Banks, who accompanied Cook. Banks' head is transposed on a butterfly arising out of the mud, gazing upwards towards the Crown, depicted as the center of the sun, with the Order of Bath pinned to his coat. Banks rapid ascension in social rank is compared to an insect who first "crawl'd into notice from among the Weeds & Mud on the Banks of the South Sea; & being afterwards placed in a Warm Situation by the Royal Society" is awarded the Order of Bath. Ca 1850, with the plate number "410" in the upper right corner, and other caricatures on the verso. 10 x 14". Attractive with later hand color. Very crisp. Item #13637

Price: $950.00

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