P. Mathews 19th Century

A landmark picture in the history of the prevention of cruelty to animals, the present work is a satirical interpretation of 'Martin's Act', a bill sponsored by Richard Martin of Galway (1754-1834), making it an offence to mistreat farm animals.  In the picture the donkey is in the courtroom called as a witness for the defence of its owner, Bill Burn, who thumbs his nose at the court.  The presence of the donkey emphasises the view that Martin's Act is regarded as asinine, a view further reinforced by a copy of the Martin Act Bill lying tattered on the floor behind the donkey's hind legs. 

The current lot is also sold with a print of the same scene, engraved by Charles Hunt.