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A tear-stem wine glass, Wilkes,…
Auction House:
Auction Location:
Melbourne
Date:
12-Nov-2024
Lot No.
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Description:
A tear-stem wine glass, Wilkes, English crica 1760, drawn trumpet bowl, plain stemwith tear, and a thick flat foot, engraved with Wilkes and liberty no 45. Height 120 mm. John Wilkes (1725–1797) was an influential British politician, journalist, and advocate for civil liberties. Known for his radical views and support for parliamentary reform, he became a symbol of the fight for free speech after his arrest in 1763 for publishing a seditious libel against King George III. Wilkes championed the rights of voters and the expansion of democracy, leading to his repeated election to Parliament despite being expelled. His provocative writings and bold political stance made him a hero to many, and his legacy contributed to the growing movement for individual rights and political reform in Britain. He published a newspaper, and in issue 45 he wrote an article attacking The King's Speech to Parliament, as a result of which he was charged with Seditious Libel against The King. He was tried by Parliament, found guilty, and gaoled. Reference: Bonhams sale 16 December 2009, lot 49 for this engraving on double spiral opaque twist flute
Estimate:
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Price:
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Category:
Unclassified