An Enquiry Concerning the Clock Tax 1797

Charles Ansell created this print, "An Enquiry Concerning the Clock Tax," around 1797, using etching and watercolor. The image is a satire of the British government's attempt to tax clocks, a move that was deeply unpopular. Here, a delegate of the "worthy and respectable body of Hosiery" attempts to dissuade a government official from extending the tax to clocks used upon stockings. The hosiery trade was central to the British economy, but was under threat from the new tax laws. Ansell's print cleverly critiques the economic policies of the time, reflecting widespread discontent. The exaggerated features of the figures and the absurd proposition highlight the perceived ridiculousness of the tax. To fully understand this print, one would need to delve into the economic history of late 18th-century Britain, studying parliamentary records and contemporary newspapers to uncover the debates surrounding taxation and its impact on various industries. Art like this doesn't just reflect history; it actively shapes public opinion and challenges the status quo.