"The surface of a platform stretches across the design; on this Pitt (right), valiant but anxious, faces the massive Russian bear, Paul, behind whom stands a stout ferocious-looking Russian soldier (like a showman with a performing animal), nearsightedly reading a document: 'Be it known to all men, - that my master, - the most Magnanimous [see BMSat 9415] most puissant, most powerful and most wonderful great Bear of the north - being in his sound and sober senses - Challenges the Whole World to single combat - and commences his first trial of skill, here in Moorfields, after which it is his intention to persue his Travels, and visit every Court in Europe - Asia - Africa - and America'. The bear wears a plumed crown, a collar inscribed 'Paul Bruin', to which are attached the massive links of a chain. His drawn sword is 'Temper'd-á-lá-Suwarrow!' On his shield is a grotesque head with gaping mouth, and the inscription 'Swallow All O.' Pitt wears a plumed helmet and light armour. His sword is 'Temper'd á-lá Nelson', his shield is inscribed 'Howe', 'Duncan', 'Nelson', 'Jervaise' [St. Vincent], 'Warren', 'Parker'. The platform is surrounded by a dense and jovial crowd. The windows and roofs of the adjacent houses are crowded with tiny waving figures; a boy sits on the high wall before a bunding inscribed 'Moor Fields' and probably intended for Bedlam."--British Museum online catalogue.
Alternative Title:
Magnanimous Paul O! Challenging all O!
Description:
Sheet trimmed within plate mark. and Title etched below image.
Subject (Name):
Ackermann, Rudolph, 1764-1834, publisher., Auchincloss, Hugh Dudley--Ownership., Duncan of Camperdown, Adam Duncan,--Viscount,--1731-1804--Caricatures and cartoons., Harvey, Francis--Ownership., Howe, Richard Howe,--Earl,--1726-1799--Caricatures and cartoons., Nelson, Horatio Nelson,--Viscount,--1758-1805--Caricatures and cartoons., Paul--I,--Emperor of Russia,--1754-1801--Caricatures and cartoons., Pitt, William,--1759-1806--Caricatures and cartoons., St. Vincent, John Jervis,--Viscount,--1735-1823--Caricatures and cartoons., and Warren, John Borlase,--Sir,--1753-1822--Caricatures and cartoons.