"Portland (r.), as a statue, with blank eyes sits stiffly in an armchair formed of rectangular stone blocks. From his neck hangs a placard: 'Repaird and Whitewash'd in the Year 1807'. He has bony knees with thick gouty legs. On the ground beside him are bulky papers docketed: 'Places for Life Pension' and 'Honors Reward'. John Bull, an elderly 'cit' holding a thick stick, gapes at him through spectacles, saying, "I really thought this Statue was gone to decay a long time ago!! - oh - ho- Repair'd and White Wash'd I see - as that is the case - I am sure there is something new m the Wind it is time for me to button up my Pocketts!" He wears striped gaiters drawn over his knees, with old-fashioned dress"--British Museum online catalogue
Alternative Title:
John Bull contemplating a statue of Portland stone
Description:
Title from caption below image., Printmaker from British Museum catalogue., Mounted to 37 x 56 cm., and Collector's annotations on mount.
Publisher:
Pubd. April 1807 by Walker, No. 7 Cornhill
Subject (Name):
Portland, William Henry Cavendish-Bentinck, Duke of, 1738-1809
