John Gilpins hat and wig run down the road after him
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John Gilpins hat and wig run down the road after him
John Gilpins ride on the back of an out-of-control horse - his hat and wig run down the road after him - from a comic ballad of 1782 by William Cowper - here he loses his hat and wig! Date: 18th century
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 14263557
© Mary Evans / Grenville Collins Postcard Collection
1782 Away Blown Blows Cowper Flies Gilpin Horseback Loses Ride Rider Running Runs Woodcut Out Of Control
EDITORS COMMENTS
John Gilpin's Chaotic Ride: A 18th Century Tale of Mishap and Merriment This woodcut print depicts a pivotal moment from the comic ballad of John Gilpin, penned by the renowned English poet William Cowper in 1782. The image, created by the skilled hand of Robert Seaver White, vividly brings to life the escapade of our hapless hero, John Gilpin, as he clings to the back of an out-of-control horse. The scene unfolds as Gilpin, a jovial and somewhat clumsy man, embarks on a journey home to his wife in the quaint English countryside. As he rides along, his hat and wig, both essential accouterments of 18th-century fashion, fly off his head and run down the road behind him. The wind, playfully personified in the print, is depicted as a mischievous force, blowing Gilpin's belongings away with gusto. The print captures the essence of Cowper's whimsical verse, which has delighted readers for over two centuries. The image of Gilpin, hatless and wigless, is a testament to the unpredictability of life and the importance of maintaining a sense of humor in the face of adversity. This woodcut print, a beautiful example of the artistry of the 18th century, transports us back in time to an era of horse-drawn carriages, quaint fashion, and the simple joys of country living. It serves as a reminder that even in the midst of chaos and mishap, there is always room for laughter and lightheartedness.
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