2-889-257 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Socialists - painted by E. Armitage, 1850. Winter exhibition. Representation of '...a trio of disputants as to the benefits to be derived from Socialism, not the latest by several of the schemes which have of late disturbed society in France, and kept its people up to the boiling point of their vivacity...on the wall hang a military portrait and a few culinary implements - all alike characteristic of French glory - war and cookery. The party is an agreeable one; there is none of the virulence of Socialist controversy in their composition: the hirsute old gentleman and the ouvrier in sabots have, perhaps, just played off a piece of pleasantry with the girl...her expression is between being delighted and posed; her simplicity is truly lovable. The variety of character in the three figures is extraordinarily fine'. From "Illustrated London News", 1850.