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Archive Reference / Library Class No.D5459/3/38
Former ReferenceD5459/3/112
TitleGipsies shewing a Prize Cat
Date[c. 1800-1820]
DescriptionTwo gipsies show a couple a giant cat. On the left stands a gipsy smoking a pipe. To the right of the cat is another, pointing to the cat with a stick, He announces:
"Ladies and gentlemen, please to observe - The King of the Gipsies, having taken it into his Royal consideration the improvement of the race of Cats (being considered as a great dainty amongst his numerous and Loyal Subjects) He and eleven more of his Courtiers formed themselves into a Caticultural Society for that purpose. This beautiful animal, Ladies and Gentlemen is the finest produced this season - it was entirely fed on Rat Cakes and is the sole property of Mother Hubbard, for which she received the reward of the Society. Viz. Two fat capons and a Sack of Wheat, Stolen from Farmer Wilkinsons Barn."
The anxious-looking woman remarks:
"How grim he looks about the eyes", and her husband, a fat 'cit', adds: "It is certainly too fat to be wholesome."
In the background a gipsy woman sits on the floor, next to a pot hanging over a fire.
Available on CD 165.
LevelItem
RepositoryDerbyshire Record Office
ArtistWoodward, George Murgatroyd (?1765-1809)
Engraver: Roberts
Archive CreatorGeorge Murgatroyd Woodward (1765-1809), artist and writer
Further InformationWoodward Delin : Etch'd by Roberts

London Pubd by P Roberts 28 Middle Row Holborn

Text reads:
'Respectfully dedicated to the Caticultural Society'
Physical DescriptionHand-coloured print. Size 395 x 280 mm.
CopiesA digital copy can also be viewed on the public computers at the record office.
Image

Gipsies shewing a Prize Cat

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