A scene in the School for scandal [graphic].

"The reduction of the Prince of Wales's establishment at Carlton House is represented as the auction scene in 'The School for Scandal' (iv. 1). 'Lot 1', a portrait of the King and Queen, as a farmer and his wife, a copy of BMSat 6934 reversed, is being held up for sale by (?) Sheridan. The Prince, as Charles Surface, stands in the middle of the room, legs apart, his cane raised above his head, right hand in his breeches-pocket, saying, "Careless, Knock down the Farmer". George Hanger as Careless stands in a high-backed arm-chair (right), his hammer raised above his head, saying, "Going for no more than One Crown". Weltje, a stout man, stands beside the rostrum, his arms folded, looking down at a pile of plate at his feet inscribed 'Lot 6'. On the left stand three men: the bidder, pencil and note-book in his hand, saying, "Five shillings for that Lot", and two military officers, one stout, the other slim and foppish, looking through an eye-glass at the picture. 'Lot 2' and 'Lot 3' are pictures still on the wall, Three quarter length portraits of Mrs. Fitzherbert, her hands in a muff, and a lady wearing a large feathered hat, perhaps the Duchess of Devonshire, cf. BMSat 6961, &c. 'Lot 5' is a saddle on the floor beside a pair of top-boots. Through an open door (left) appears the corner of a building inscribed 'Tatersal's' (where the Prince's stud was sold) and a high phaeton which is 'Lot 1800' (see BMSats 6970, 6980)."--British Museum online catalogue