The print depicts a mourning scene. A casket inscribed with the name \u2018Tom Bowling\u2019 is set up in a room that is furnished for a sailor. It contains a bed and chair, and a sword, a map and a coat are hung on the wall. A woman sits on the edge of the bed with her hands together and her head bent towards the casket. In the middle of the room is a man dressed as a sailor. He has taken off his hat and is gesturing towards the casket. A docile dog looks up at him. The print was published by Laurie & Whittle in 1794, and there was an accompanying ballad titled \u2018Poor Tom Bowling\u2019 by the composer Charles Dibdin. It tells the story of Tom Bowling \u2013 a virtuous and a jolly sailor who faithfully did his duty until he died. He is positioned as a hero worthy of celebration. Dibdin was a prolific composer of nautical ballads, often designed to promote a patriotic idea of the Royal Navy and its sailors. It is sung on the last night of the Proms.<\/p>\n
Height: 7 \u00be”<\/p>\n
Condition: Spout and foot chips have been restored<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
US$918<\/p>\n