Figure of a Man, the Lawyer 1785 - 1795

Henry William Bunbury, an artist celebrated for his satirical eye, created this ink drawing, "Figure of a Man, the Lawyer," sometime between the late 18th and early 19th centuries. During this period, the Enlightenment's emphasis on reason was countered by the rise of Romanticism, which valued emotion and individualism. Bunbury's caricature reflects this tension, offering a critical, yet humorous, look at the professional class. Notice how the lawyer's figure, viewed from the rear, seems to invite a reading of his character. The man's wig, coat and hat mark him as belonging to a certain societal rank, but he is also turned away from us, perhaps indicating the backhanded dealings and shady behavior that was attributed to lawyers at the time. Bunbury, who came from a privileged background, used his art to comment on the social mores of his time. How does this portrayal challenge or reinforce existing stereotypes? Does it make you consider the role of lawyers in shaping society then and now? This image invites us to reflect on how we perceive professions and the individuals who embody them.