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Pen-etration

Satirical Print
6 August 1799 (published)
Artist/Maker
H. Humphrey (publisher)
James Gillray (artist)
Place of origin
London (published)

Satirical etching of John Penn

Object details

Categories
Caricatures & Cartoons
Prints
Portraits
Satire
Object type
Satirical print
Titles
  • Pen-etration (assigned by artist)
  • John Penn
Materials and techniques
etching
Etching
Brief description
James Gilray. 'Pen-etration'. Caricature etching of John Penn. Published London, 6 August 1799
Physical description
Satirical etching of John Penn
Dimensions
  • Height: 10.325in
  • Width: 7.875in
Marks and inscriptions
PEN-ETRATION. - NB; This Title has no affinity to Pen, as connected with the Goose-Quill; nor has it any allusion to Penguin, a stupid creature between a Fish & a Fowl; - the word is simply derived from Pen, as the Instrument used to express the deep researches of the mind; see the St James's Street chitchat - respecting a Keen Pen; - a Witty Pen; - & a Pen, often Cut, but never mended.'
Bibliographic references
  • Victoria and Albert Museum, Department of Engraving, Illustration and Design and Department of Paintings, Accessions 1943, London: HMSO, 1956.
  • British Museum, Catalogue of Politicial and Personal Satires [c.1320-1832] London, 1870-1954.
Collection
Prints, Drawings & Paintings Collection
Accession number
E.520-1943

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Record createdJune 30, 2009
Record URL
https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O726475/pen-etration-satirical-print-james-gillray/
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