The Pictorial Press: Its Origin and ProgressJackson, Mason
History
The Pictorial Press: Its Origin and Progress
Jackson, Mason
Illustration of books; Newspapers -- Illustrations
This broadside was an agreeable change from the prodigies and
monstrosities with which the public were so liberally supplied. A
specimen of the latter was published in 1655, which must have tried the
faith of even the most credulous. It is described as '_The True
Portraiture of a prodigious Monster, taken in the Mountains of Zardana_;
the following Description whereof was sent to Madrid October 20, 1654,
and from thence to Don Olonza de Cardines, Ambassador for the King of
Spain now resident in London. Its stature was like that of a strong well
set man, with 7 heads, the chief of them looking forward, with one eye
in its front; the other heads have each two eyes in their natural
situation, the ears of an Ass; with its principal head it eates, drinks,
and cryes with an extraordinary and terrible voice; the other heads are
also moved to and fro; it hath seven Arms and Hands of a Man, very
strong in each of them; from the middle downward it is like a Satyr,
with Goats feet, and cloven,' &c. This broadside has a very
well-executed copperplate engraving of the monster; and another sheet of
the same date has a woodcut copy of the same engraving, together with a
long account in verse 'to the tune of Summer Time,' and the following
additional particulars: 'The News of this Satyrical Monster being noysed
abroad throughout all Spain, France, and Italy, made a desperate fear,
and general distemper amongst all the Popish Prelates, Cardinals,
Jesuites, Monks, and Fryers; yea, the very Pope himself trembled to hear
this strange Report. There is a Prophesie in the 13 of the Revelation,
of a great Red-Dragon and a Beast with seven heads that should arise out
of the Sea, that should continue 42 moneths, which was to come to pass
before the great and terrible day of judgement; which by the appearing
of these strange Monsters is neer at hand now.'
At the Restoration several broadsides of news were published containing
engravings. There is one giving an account of the coronation of Charles
II., which is illustrated with a copperplate engraving of the King
seated on his throne, robed and crowned, with the following
complimentary lines:--
'The Second Charles, Heire of the Royal Martyr
Who for Religion and his Subjects Charter
Spent the best Blood, that unjust Sword ere dy'de
Since the rude Souldier pierced our Saviours side.
Who such a Father had'st, and such a Son;
Redeem thy people and assume thy own,
Ascend thy Ancestors Imperial seat
Of Charles the Good, thou second Charles the Great,
That adds the worth; this lustre to the Crown,
Whose solid Glorious weighed Usurpers down.
Such Majesty as never was profan'd
While Tyrants rul'd 'twas only Charles that reigned.'
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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