The radical ladder [graphic]Cruikshank, George, 1792-1878, printmakerApril 25, 1821.eng"Queen Caroline reaches the top step of a flimsy double-ladder, pushed by the foremost of a train of gnome-like Jacobins who scramble up behind her or wait (right) to ascend. She holds a blazing firebrand (cf. British Museum Satires No. 14145) emitting clouds of smoke, with which she tries to reach the royal crown (irradiated), which rests on a cushion and Bible, on the summit of a pillar representing the Constitution. A mitre and crosier are carved on the pillar which is spiralled with a band inscribed (reading upwards) 'Commons', 'Lords', 'King'. On the square base are the equally balanced scales of Justice. The Queen wears a feathered hat and an enormously long cloak, under which the Radicals on the ladder are sheltering. These wear caps of Liberty (or Folly) with tricolour cockades; one has a dagger, one a pike, one (Hunt) a bludgeon, one holds the shaft of a banner, inscribed 'Democracy Republic', topped by a cap of Liberty. The rungs of the ladder are: 'Spa Fields Riot'; 'Smithfield', Hunt climbs from one to the other; 'Hunts Procession'; 'Peter[loo]'; 'Cato Stre[et', see No. 13707, &c.]; 'Queens Arrival' [see No. 13730, &c.]; 'Radical Address' [see British Museum Satires No. 13934, &c.]; 'Mob Government' [the top]. The back of the ladder (reading downwards): 'Revolution'; 'Anarchy'; 'Ruin'."--British Museum online catalogueTitle etched below image.State from British Museum catalogue. For an earlier state published October 1820 as a plate to The Loyalist's magazine, see no. 13895 in the Catalogue of prints and drawings in the British Museum. Division I, political and personal satires, v. 10.Sheet trimmed within plate mark on right and left sides.Companion print to: The funeral pile.Mounted on page 4 of: George Humphrey shop album.