Goody-Two-Shoes turned Barber (Frederick John Robinson, 1st Earl of Ripon; Henry George Grey, 3rd Earl Grey)

1 portrait of Frederick John Robinson, 1st Earl of Ripon

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© National Portrait Gallery, London

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Goody-Two-Shoes turned Barber (Frederick John Robinson, 1st Earl of Ripon; Henry George Grey, 3rd Earl Grey)

by John ('HB') Doyle, printed by Alfred Ducôte, published by Thomas McLean
lithograph, published 28 June 1832
11 1/4 in. x 16 3/8 in. (286 mm x 415 mm) overall
Acquired, before 1900
Reference Collection
NPG D41143

Sittersback to top

Artistsback to top

  • John ('HB') Doyle (1797-1868), 'HB'; caricaturist. Artist or producer associated with 746 portraits, Sitter in 1 portrait.
  • Alfred Ducôte (active 1830-1840), Lithographer and lithographic printer. Artist or producer associated with 462 portraits.
  • Thomas McLean (1788-1875), Publisher and dealer. Artist or producer associated with 1058 portraits.

This portraitback to top

This is a historical work of art which reflects the attitudes and viewpoints of the time in which it was made. Whilst these may differ from today's attitudes, this image is an important historical document.

This dehumanizing satire depicts enslaved Africans in the British colonies being threatened by an overseer as they are forcibly shaved and fitted for shoes. While the characterisation and treatment of these men is uncomfortable to modern eyes, the 'warning' of this anti-abolitionist satire, for nineteenth-century viewers, was in the depiction of former slaves taking on elements of European refinement.

Following the passing of the Great Reform Bill in 1832, the campaign for the abolition of slavery was strengthened. Both the politicians in this print were passionate advocates of abolition. Frederick John Robinson, later 1st Earl of Ripon, the Colonial Secretary, is shown as a barber, whilst the Colonial Under-Secretary, Henry George Grey, 3rd Earl Grey fits the enslaved men with shoes. The Slavery Abolition Act was passed the following year despite the increasing rhetoric of the difference between races.

Placesback to top

Events of 1832back to top

Current affairs

William IV agrees to the creation of new peers in order to obtain the passage of the Reform Act, although this proved unnecessary when the Tories withdrew opposition. Male franchise is extended by fifty percent; fifty-six 'rotten boroughs' lose representation and forty-one new constituencies are created. Irish and Scottish Reform Acts are also passed.

Art and science

Mathematician Charles Babbage publishes his best selling Economy of Machinery and Manufactures. In response to recent outbreaks of machine-breaking and riots, he aimed to reveal the sources of Britain's industrial strength to the urban elite and promote institutional change.
Parliament votes funds for National Gallery buildings in Trafalgar Square.

International

Free land grants end for English settlers in Australia on recommendation of the leading colonisation theorist Edward Wakefield in his Letter from Sydney.
Greek independence recognised by the Treaty of London.

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