Pen-etration, James Gillray, 1799

Caricature portrait of john penn (1760-1834), miscellaneous writer and grandson of the founder of pennsylvania. He stands in profile to the left, his feet splayed out, wearing a round hat, gloves, wrinkled jean de bry coat (see bmsat 9425), pantaloons tied above the ankles, and heelless slippers with spike toes. In his left hand is a cane. He has a vacant expression with gaping, fish-like mouth and receding chin. A flagged pavement, brick wall, and cast shadows form a background. The title continues: '- 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. ' see bmsat 9447. 6 august 1799 hand-coloured etching. Date: 1799. Dimensions: Height: 261 mm; Width: 184 mm. Medium: paper. Depicted People: John Penn. Collection: British Museum. Pen-etration (BM 1868,0808.12550)