For a description of the reissue or alternate version of this design from 1812, see: Grego, J. Rowlandson the caricaturist, v. 2, page 230., Manuscript notion identifies the seated man as "Morland the artist" and the man standing behind him as "Rowlandson"., Not in the Catalogue of prints and drawings in the British Museum. Division I, political and personal satires., Temporary local subject terms: Tankards -- Pictures amplifying subjects: 3 prints of pugilists., and Title etched below image.
Subject (Name):
Auchincloss, Hugh Dudley--Ownership., Harvey, Francis--Ownership., Morland, George,--1763-1804--Caricatures and cartoons., and Rowlandson, Thomas,--1756-1827--Caricatures and cartoons.
"The Prince of Wales lies on his back on an operating-table (cf. BMSat 7512), wearing his feathers as a coronet. Members of the Ministry holding knives surround the Prince; their operations are directed by Pitt, who is seated in a throne-like chair raised above the others. He points with a long wand at the Prince's star, saying to Dundas, "The good Qualities of his heart will certainly ruin our plan therefore cut that out first". Dundas holds a knife, looking up at Pitt, as if to read a paper which he holds out: 'Thanks from the City of London with £50,000'. Next Dundas, and at Pitt's feet, sits Sydney, holding a knife, and looking ferociously at the Prince. In an armchair by the Prince's feet sits Grafton, staring fiercely at the Prince, and holding a knife in each hand. His left foot rests on a basket containing surgeon's tools; a pair of shears and a saw lie beside it. Beside Grafton and on the extreme left stands Richmond, also glaring fiercely at the Prince; he holds a headsman's axe. At the Prince's head, seated with folded arms and closed or lowered eyes is Thurlow (right), his position indicative of his temporizing attitude, see BMSat 7377. The Prince's left arm droops over blank papers, which appear to be intended for some inscription."--British Museum online catalogue.
Description:
Printmaker and date from British Museum catalogue. and Title etched below image.
Subject (Name):
Auchincloss, Hugh Dudley--Ownership., Dundas, Henry,--1742-1811--Caricatures and cartoons., George--IV,--King of Great Britain,--1762-1830--Caricatures and cartoons., Grafton, Augustus Henry Fitzroy,--Duke of,--1735-1811--Caricatures and cartoons., Harvey, Francis--Ownership., Pitt, William,--1759-1806--Caricatures and cartoons., Richmond and Lennox, Charles Lennox,--Duke of,--1735-1806--Caricatures and cartoons., Sydney, Thomas Townshend,--Viscount,--1733-1800--Caricatures and cartoons., and Thurlow, Edward Thurlow,--Baron,--1731-1806--Caricatures and cartoons.
"Pitt and his followers are in wild pursuit of the crown which soars on widespread wings in the upper right corner of the design. Pitt, reaching up to it, is about to fall over a cliff into the pit of hell, from which flames and smoke are rising. He says, "I'll have thee or perish in the attempt, for my ambition knows no bounds". Richmond falls head first into the pit, saying to two demons who wait for him with extended pitchforks, "Spare me this time and you shall have Coals in future without duty" (an allusion to the 'Richmond shilling'). One answers, "All your Great grandfather's [Charles II's] Whores are waiting dinner for you". Immediately behind Pitt runs Thurlow, his wig falling from his head; he raises the mace in both hands to strike at the flying crown ..."--British Museum online catalogue.
Alternative Title:
Pit fall
Description:
Printmaker and date from British Museum catalogue. and Title etched below image.
Subject (Name):
Auchincloss, Hugh Dudley--Ownership., Charles--II,--King of England,--1630-1685., Grafton, Augustus Henry Fitzroy,--Duke of,--1735-1811--Caricatures and cartoons., Harvey, Francis--Ownership., Pitt, William,--1759-1806--Caricatures and cartoons., Richmond and Lennox, Charles Lennox,--Duke of,--1735-1806--Caricatures and cartoons., and Thurlow, Edward Thurlow,--Baron,--1731-1806--Caricatures and cartoons.
"Rechab, a male nude, rushing into a room from the right and lunging forward as he falls to his knees before David, holding up the severed head of Saul's son Ishbosheth in his right hand and pointing upwards with the other."--British Museum online catalogue.
Description:
Plate from: Lavater, Johann Caspar. Essays on physiognomy ... . London: J. Murray [etc.], 1789-1798., Publication information based on that of the volumes in which the print was issued., and Title devised by cataloger.