John Bull and the Cossacks in London

A comfortable tradesman, John Bull and his family greet two Cossacks who step out of an elegant coach into a London street. Bull, whose butcher shop is visible on the far left of the image, grasps a Cossack's hand and shakes it vigorously, welcoming the visitor to London. The middle-class clothing Bull and his family wear contrast with the tunics and furred hats worn by the Cossacks. The Cossack whose hand Bull clasps is tall and muscular; he returns the shake with an air of furious disdain. Clearly not used to such effusions of esteem, the Cossack is dressed in a manner worthy of a battlefield; a large scimitar hangs from a sash, a pistol is tucked into the front of his belt, a rifle is strapped to his back, and he holds a bloodied lance in his left hand. Holding a long spear, his companion steps from the carriage. Napoleons hat has been pierced and hangs at the end of the weapon. Like his companion, he wears full costume and a contemptuous expression. Bull's wife and children sand at the left of the scene and register expressions of curiosity and wonder at the Cossacks. One child, a small boy, has just pricked his finger on the edge spear and cries. His brother crouches by the tip and extends a finger towards the sharp edge. Mrs. Bull peers over her husband's shoulder and admires the Cossacks' "fine beards & whiskers." Clearly the two figures are in and of themselves spectacles. This print is in good condition. It has slightly frayed at the lower left corner of the sheet. In addition, the sheet is creased in a manner consistent with the original folds made for inclusion in the periodical. A comfortable tradesman, John Bull and his family greet two Cossacks who step out of an elegant coach into a London street. Bull, whose butcher shop is visible on the far left of the image, grasps a Cossack's hand and shakes it vigorously, welcoming the visitor to London. The middle-class clothing Bull and his family wear contrast with the tunics and furred hats worn by the Cossacks. The Cossack whose hand Bull clasps is tall and muscular; he returns the shake with an air of furious disdain. Clearly not used to such effusions of esteem, the Cossack is dressed in a manner worthy of a battlefield; a large scimitar hangs from a sash, a pistol is tucked into the front of his belt, a rifle is strapped to his back, and he holds a bloodied lance in his left hand. Holding a long spear, his companion steps from the carriage. Napoleons hat has been pierced and hangs at the end of the weapon. Like his companion, he wears full costume and a contemptuous expression. Bull's wife and children sand at the left of the scene and register expressions of curiosity and wonder at the Cossacks. One child, a small boy, has just pricked his finger on the edge spear and cries. His brother crouches by the tip and extends a finger towards the sharp edge. Mrs. Bull peers over her husband's shoulder and admires the Cossacks' "fine beards & whiskers." Clearly the two figures are in and of themselves spectacles. This print is in good condition. It has slightly frayed at the lower left corner of the sheet. In addition, the sheet is creased in a manner consistent with the original folds made for inclusion in the periodical. Printed for the Satirist, 1 May 1813. George notes that this image relates to a visit made to the London Post Office on April 9. he writes, 'The elder had a spear ten feet long projecting from the window; the other was a Don Cossack. They were greeted by Sir W. Curtis among others, and the 'Cossack' was much lionized (Europ. Mag. ixiii.356).' Dialogue: John Bull (center l.): "I wish his head has been in it with all my heart and soul! I am glad to see you my very good friends." Dialogue: Mrs. Bull (l.): "La! sure - such fine beards & whiskers!!! Bond Street is nothing to them do but Lookee John - now Lookee!!" Dialogue: Cossack (r., descending from carriage): "The rascal himself made his escape from Justice! I was just in time to run my spear thro his Hat!!" Printed Signature: Satirist invt Printed Signature: W. H. EKoorb delt. Aqua Fortis fecit.