King William IV dressed as a sailor dances in the centre of a semicircle of ministers who have black bodies and are partially draped. Among the ministers are Peel and Scarlett on the left, Lyndhurst and Wellington on the right both of whom wear nose-rings. Scarlett encircles Ellenborough, who, with Sugden, is behind the King. Their tribal dance celebration alludes to the relief that the ministers must have felt to be able to retain their positions with the new reign. William IV was a popular King and a stark contrast to George IV and was liable to wild bursts of passion as is suggested here. He and the Duke of Wellington (then prime minister) got on very well, hence the retainment of his ministers. He is dressed in sailor garb in reference to his years in the navy. The tribal dress of the ministers refers to the far-flung shores that William visited
Description:
Title etched below image. and Sheet trimmed to plate mark.
Publisher:
Pub. July 19, 1830, by T. McLean, 26 Haymarket
Subject (Geographic):
Great Britain. and Great Britian.
Subject (Name):
William IV, King of Great Britain, 1765-1837, Scarlett, James, Sir, 1769-1844, Ellenborough, Edward Law, Baron, 1750-1818, Lyndhurst, John Singleton Copley, Baron, 1772-1863, Peel, Robert, 1788-1850, Wellington, Arthur Wellesley, Duke of, 1769-1852, Sugden, Edward Burtenshaw, 1781-1875, George IV, King of Great Britain, 1762-1830., William IV, King of Great Britain, 1765-1837., Wellington, Arthur Wellesley, Duke of, 1769-1852., Scarlett, James, Sir, 1769-1844., Peel, Robert, 1788-1850., Lyndhurst, John Singleton Copley, Baron, 1772-1863., and Ellenborough, Edward Law, Baron, 1750-1818.
"Eldon as a street-beggar kneels on both knees on straw placed on paving-stones, wearing a cap resembling those worn by butchers and the rags of a Chancellor's gown over tattered breeches. He supports himself by a staff, and holds out his short powdered wig. Beside him (left) lies an empty and dilapidated bag inscribed The Old Bagg [cf. British Museum Satires No. 12883]. He looks down with a gloomy scowl, and from his closed lips rise the words: Pity the sorrows of a poor old man [cf. British Museum Satires Nos. 13991, 16236]--vide beggars petition, Tricked out of Work by a Soldier. Round his neck is tied a placard reaching below the waist, and inscribed: Pity a poor Old Man out of Place, at the age of 78 [76], and though extremely anxious, for employment, disappointed in, all his expectations of procuring the Same. His pension is only 4.000 P A [cf. British Museum Satires No. 10714] and not a Dinner has been dressed in his house within the memory of man! He has a wife to support, and a Son to provide for, who holds only Eight Appointments! Beside him an emaciated dog stands on its hindlegs holding a begging-dish, with a piteous expression."--British Museum online catalogue
Alternative Title:
To a benevolent public
Description:
Title etched below image., Print signed using William Heath's device: A man with an umbrella., Date of publication from the British Museum catalogue., and Sheet trimmed within plate mark on right and left sides.