Ebenezer Denning, 'Parliamentary Police'

Signed by Ape (Carlo Pellegrini), this chromolithograph profiles Inspector Ebenezer Denning of the Parliamentary Police in full side view — the compositional pose Pellegrini favoured for figures whose authority resided in sheer physical presence rather than wit. Denning is rendered with affectionate mockery: a domed custodian helmet, a generous belly straining brass buttons, and a bristling white chin-beard that reads as long service made visible. His hands are clasped behind his back, parade-rest composure intact. The caption 'Parliamentary Police' locates his domain at Westminster. The satire is occupational and corporeal — the reliable, slightly pompous English bobby elevated, briefly, to a page in society's favourite mirror.