'Things as they Were 1757. Things as they Are 1827', 1827

Coloured engraving by William Heath, 1827. Published by S W Fores, 1827.

One of a series of satirical prints contrasting the military uniforms and civilian costumes of 1757 and 1827.

On the left, an officer of the Horse Guards on campaign, depicted in a military encampment of 1757. On the right, another officer is shown, wearing an exaggerated version of a uniform of the late 1820s with a plumed bearskin headdress, breastplate, high boots and long spurs. The latter is placed in a luxurious interior with a poodle at his feet and a parakeet in a cage. With the former being dated to the time of the Seven Years War (1756-1763) and the latter being from a period of relative peace in Europe, the satire in relation to the Army may go deeper than just a comment on changing military fashions.