"Britannia (right), fat, good-natured, and richly dressed, holding a fan, is kissed by a tall lean French military officer who bends forward, holding her below the shoulders. He is war-worn, his pigtail stands awkwardly erect and his hair straggles over his face, while the crown of his head is almost bald, as if plucked (cf. BMSat 10072). He wears jackboots ; his hat and sword lie on the ground beside him. She is almost spherical; her shield and trident, replacing the usual spear, lean against the wall behind her and out of sight. He says: "Madame, permittez me, to pay my profound esteem to your engaging person! & to seal on your divine Lips my everlasting attachment!!!" A cynical and sensual grin indicates the character of his advances. She smiles with coy complacency, saying, "Monsieur, you are truly a well-bred Gentleman! - & tho' you make me blush, yet, you Kiss so delicately, that I cannot refuse you; tho' I was sure you would Deceive me again!!!" Above their heads are oval bust portraits of Napoleon (left) and George III (right), the two men extending their arms as if to shake hands; the King scowls, Napoleon regards him with brooding suspicion. The frames are bordered by olive branches and palm-branches."--British Museum online catalogue.
Alternative Title:
Meeting of Britannia & Citizen Francois and Meeting of Britannia and Citizen Francois
Description:
Printmaker from British Museum catalogue. and Title etched below image.
Subject (Name):
Auchincloss, Hugh Dudley--Ownership., George--III,--King of Great Britain,--1738-1820--Caricatures and cartoons., Harvey, Francis--Ownership., Humphrey, Hannah, active 1774-1817, publisher., and Napoleon--I,--Emperor of the French,--1769-1821--Caricatures and cartoons.