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Master Bull and his Dentist, 1861
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Master Bull and his Dentist, 1861
Master Bull and his Dentist, 1861. Master Bull sits in the dentists chair crying, while being handed a coin by the dentist. The dentist consoles him by saying Don t cry, my little man! I m not going to draw any more this time, and theres a penny for you! A concerned woman stares at the dentist. John Bull, the child in the dentists chair, is the British worker being given a reduction of 1d in the pound from Mr Gladstones recent Budget. This reduced the rate from 10d to 9d. There is a label with the words Income Tax on it attached to what looks like a contemporary dental device, possibly used for extractions. This would accord with the notice on the wall in the background, showing the price of extractions in 1860. From Punch, or the London Charivari, April 27, 1861
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Media ID 14830490
© The Print Collector / Heritage-Images
Budget Coin Coinage Concern Consolation Crying Currency Dentist Dentists Chair Gladstone Heritage Image Partnership Income Tax John Bull Money Penny Taxation William Ewart William Ewart Gladstone Allegorical Figure
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print from 1861 captures a poignant moment between Master Bull and his dentist. In the dentists chair, young John Bull can be seen crying while being handed a coin by the sympathetic dentist. The scene is set against a backdrop of concern, with a woman staring intently at the dentist. The significance of this image lies in its political undertones. John Bull represents the British worker who has just received a reduction in income tax thanks to Mr Gladstone's recent Budget announcement. The label attached to what appears to be a dental device reads "Income Tax" linking taxation with painful extractions. The notice on the wall behind them displays prices for extractions in 1860, further emphasizing the connection between financial burdens and physical pain. This satirical caricature serves as commentary on Britain's politics during the 19th century. While Master Bull may find consolation in receiving a penny, symbolizing his reduced tax burden, it is clear that there are concerns surrounding this budget decision. The concerned woman's gaze suggests skepticism or worry about how such reductions will impact society as a whole. This etching offers us an intriguing glimpse into history through its clever use of allegory and satire. It reminds us that even seemingly mundane aspects of life like visiting the dentist can reflect larger societal issues such as finance and taxation policies.
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