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The Sapient Septemviri, (King's College, Aberdeen)

Kay, John, 1786, Etching
The Sapient Septemviri, (King's College, Aberdeen)
The Sapient Septemviri, (King's College, Aberdeen)
The Sapient Septemviri, (King's College, Aberdeen)
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Library Item
Item no
13478
Title
The Sapient Septemviri, (King's College, Aberdeen)
Description
The image shows eight figures in total with one standing on a platform or pedestal on the left (numbered 1), addressing seven robed professors standing in a line (numbered 2-8). All the figures are wearing academic dress with long dark cloaks. The central figure (5) wears an ornate papal or episcopal mitre. Several figures hold staffs or ceremonial poles. They're standing on what appears to be a checkered floor.

The numbered list corresponds to each figure and contains satirical commentary about university practices, including:

1. References to Holiness lecturing
2. Criticism about patronage and ministerial appointments
3. Comments about 45 years of teaching and recruitment
4. Remarks about language teaching from Aberdeen to Aberdeen
5. Mockery of agricultural science and Chinese emperors
6. Sarcastic comments about "countenance" as enlightenment
7. Criticism of college property and patronage
8. Jabs at degrees being sold "for Ready Money"
Artist / maker
Date
1786
Size
14.5 x 18.5 cm
Type
Location
Edinburgh and Scottish Collection
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