"The members of the Secret Committee of the Commons are seated round a table examining the documents relating to the United Irishmen and other revolutionary societies. A lamp on the table illuminates a large framed transparency [The transparency, a large pictorial design lit from behind, was a popular form of street illumination. On 5 Nov. 1813 (for the battle of Leipzig) Ackermann displayed on the façade of his 'Repository' Rowlandson's 'The Two Kings of terror, afterwards published as a print. Broadley, i. 338.] divided into four equal sections which hangs from the ceiling and conceals the heads of the Committee ; the four scenes depict the supposed intentions of the revolutionaries. The transparency is irradiated, throwing into deep shadow members of the Opposition in the foreground (right), who flee from the room in a body, terror-struck. The nearest (three-quarter length) are Erskine, clutching a brief-bag, Fox, M. A. Taylor, and Norfolk. Behind these are Tierney, Sheridan, and Nicholls; in the last row are Sir J. Sinclair, Burdett, Moira, Bedford. The two most prominent members, though in back view with heads obscured, suggest Pitt (left) and Dundas (right); they read papers inscribed 'Scheme to Overthrow the British Constitution, & to seize on all public Property and Invitation to the French Republic'. Over the edge of the table hang the bulky 'Reports of the Secret Committee of the House of Commons.' On the floor are four papers: 'Names of Traitors now sufferd to remain at large'; 'Oath of the Members of the Society of the United Irishmen in London'; 'Account of ye Lodge of United Englishmen, & of the Monks of St Ann's Shrine' [see BMSat 9217]; 'Proceedings of the London Corresponding Society with a list of all the Members.' [See BMSat 9189, &c] The transparency is suspended on tricolour ribbons. Titles are engraved on the frame: [1] 'Plundering the Bank'. A scene in the Rotunda; tiny figures hasten off with sacks of gold, the most prominent being Tierney with '£10000'. Sir William Pulteney (identified from his resemblance to BMSat 9212) staggers off to the left with two sacks; the poker-like Moira has a sack on his head; two men dispute over a sack, one being Walpole with his huge cocked hat, the other resembling Jekyll; Sheridan (right) slouches off with two sacks. Proletarians exult over small money-bags. [2] 'Assassinating the Parliament'. The interior of the House of Commons is realistically depicted; the Opposition violently attack the occupants of the Government benches, daggers being the chief weapon. Erskine (left) is about to murder Dundas; Fox strikes at Pitt, holding him by the throat, while Sheridan is about to stab Pitt in the back. The puny Walpole tries to drag the Speaker from his chair, while Burdett raises the mace to smite him. Sir John Sinclair raises a broadsword to smite a man held down by little M. A. Taylor. Volumes of 'Acts and Statutes' fall to the floor. [3] 'Seizing the Crown. \ Scene the Tower'. Exulting plunderers emerge from the gate of the Tower on to the drawbridge. Bedford, dressed as a jockey (cf. BMSat 9380), walks ahead with two sacks: 'New Coinage' and 'New Guineas'; Fox, [Identified by Grego as Lansdowne.] smiling, holds the crown; Lauderdale, wearing a kilt, carries the sceptre. Just behind is Sir George Shuckburgh. Stanhope (or Grattan) carries a sack, 'Regalia of E[ngland]'. On the right a chimney-sweep and others dance round a bonfire in which 'Records' are burning. Cf. BMSat 7354, where Fox carries off the crown from the Tower. [4] 'Establishing the French Government. \ St James s Palace'. French troops march with arrogant goose-step and fixed bayonets into the gateway of the palace; their large tricolour flag is inscribed 'Vive la Republique Français'. In the foreground is planted a tall spear surmounted by a bonnet-rouge (a tree of Liberty, cf. BMSat 9214, &c.); at its base are decollated heads wearing coronets and a mitre. They are cheered by spectators (right): Grattan holding 'Grattans Address', Norfolk holding his staff, Lord Derby in hunting-dress standing on an overturned sentry-box, Moira standing like a ramrod. ...."--British Museum online catalogue.
Description:
Title etched below image. and Two lines of text below title: Representing the Secret-Committee throwing a light upon the dark sketches of a revolution found among the papers of the Jacobin societies lately apprehended ...
Subject (Name):
Auchincloss, Hugh Dudley--Ownership., Bedford, Francis Russell,--Duke of,--1765-1802--Caricatures and cartoons., Burdett, Francis,--1770-1844--Caricatures and cartoons., Dundas, Henry,--1742-1811--Caricatures and cartoons., Erskine, Thomas Erskine,--Baron,--1750-1823--Caricatures and cartoons., Fox, Charles James,--1749-1806--Caricatures and cartoons., Gillray, James, 1756-1815, artist. http://id.loc.gov/authorities/names/n50033402, Grattan, Henry,--1746-1820--Caricatures and cartoons., Harvey, Francis--Ownership., Hastings, Francis Rawdon-Hastings,--Marquess of,--1754-1826--Caricatures and cartoons., Humphrey, Hannah, active 1774-1817, publisher. http://id.loc.gov/authorities/names/n97861435, Jekyll, Joseph,--1754-1837--Caricatures and cartoons., Lauderdale, James Maitland,--Earl of,--1759-1839--Caricatures and cartoons., Nicholls, John,--1745?-1832--Caricatures and cartoons., Norfolk, Charles Howard,--Duke of,--1746-1815--Caricatures and cartoons., Pitt, William,--1759-1806--Caricatures and cartoons., Pulteney, William--Caricatures and cartoons., Sheridan, Richard Brinsley,--1751-1816--Caricatures and cartoons., Shuckburgh-Evelyn, George Augustus William,--Sir,--1751-1804--Caricatures and cartoons., Sinclair, John,--Sir,--1754-1835--Caricatures and cartoons., Smith-Stanley, Edward,--1752-1834--Caricatures and cartoons., Stanhope, Charles Stanhope,--Earl,--1753-1816--Caricatures and cartoons., Taylor, Michael Angelo,--1757-1834--Caricatures and cartoons., Tierney, George,--1761-1830--Caricatures and cartoons., and Walpole, George,--1761-1830--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 rides (right to left) a zebra; he sits on the animal's hind quarters, flourishing a whip; before him are two panniers filled with jewels, one inscribed 'Rights and Wrongs'. From the zebra's neck hangs a large jewel inscribed 'Bulse'. He says, "I have thrown off the Mask. I can blind the people no longer and must now carry every thing by my bought Majority." The zebra (the Queen) is led by Dundas (left) [Identified by Miss Banks as Thurlow: the resemblance to either is inconclusive, though pointing to Thurlow, but the inscription indicates Dundas.] and urged on by Richmond (right), who prods it with a goad. It says, "What are Childrens rights to Ambition - I will rule in spite of them if I can conceal things at Q." [Kew.] In front of Dundas (left) is a signpost: "To Tower Hill by B------m [Buckingham] house". Dundas turns his head to shout at Pitt: "So many Scotchmen have left their heads behind in this d------d tower for treason I begin to tremble as much as thief in the rear for my own." Richmond, noted for his unfailing support of Pitt, says, "Skulking in the rear out of sight suits best my character." Behind him (right) is a cannon."--British Museum online catalogue.
Alternative Title:
Queen's ass loaded with the spoils of India and Britain
Description:
Grego suggests a publication date of March 6, 1788., Printmaker and date fom British Museum catalogue., and Title etched below image.
Subject (Name):
Auchincloss, Hugh Dudley--Ownership., Charlotte,--Queen, consort of George III, King of Great Britain,--1744-1818., Dundas, Henry,--1742-1811--Caricatures and cartoons., Harvey, Francis--Ownership., Pitt, William,--1759-1806--Caricatures and cartoons., and Richmond and Lennox, Charles Lennox,--Duke of,--1735-1806--Caricatures and cartoons.
"A strip design in imitation of BMSat 7230. The names of the characters are etched beneath them, the words spoken above their heads. 'R------e' (Rose) rushes forward, in alarm, exclaiming "The People refuse to address to T--l--w" (Thurlow) who answers "Bl-st their Eyes" (cf. BMSat 7320). 'P-tt' leans anxiously towards Thurlow, saying, "then I am done over. S-----y" (Sydney), his back to Pitt, addresses 'D------s', saying, "it is all dickey with me". Dundas, stamping with rage, answers, "I'll gang to my awn country and sell Butter & Brimstone. R------d" (Richmond), standing beside a cannon (cf. BMSat 6921, &c), puts his finger to his nose, saying, "I begin to smell Powder". He speaks to 'G------n' (Grafton) who answers, "I begin to stink damnably. C--t--m" (Chatham), a small man-of-war under each arm, leans in profile to the right, saying, "I thought myself snug" (he succeeded Howe as First Lord in Sept. 1788, cf. BMSat 7480). 'C--m--n' (Camden) stands full-face, his hands in his old-fashioned coat-pockets, saying, "I should have known better". 'B------k W-----n' (Brook Watson), flourishing his wooden leg, says to Camden, "I cannot Brook this I'll hop off. G--n--e" (Grenville) holds up his Speaker's wig, saying, "I shall lose my new Wig" (he was elected Speaker on 5 Jan.). 'W-----es' (Wilkes), holding his chin reflectively and squinting violently, says, "I can look either way". 'C--m--n' (Carmarthen) holds up both arms, saying, "Eve been in Anguish all night.."--British Museum online catalogue.
Description:
Artist's intials "H.W." refer to Henry Wigstead. See British Museum catalogue., Attributed to Rowlandson by Grego., and Title etched below image.
Publisher:
Holland, Oxford Street
Subject (Name):
Auchincloss, Hugh Dudley--Ownership., Camden, Charles Pratt,--Earl,--1714-1794--Caricatures and cartoons., Chatham, John Pitt,--Earl of,--1756-1835--Caricatures and cartoons., Dundas, Henry,--1742-1811--Caricatures and cartoons., Grafton, Augustus Henry Fitzroy,--Duke of,--1735-1811--Caricatures and cartoons., Grenville, William Wyndham Grenville,--Baron,--1759-1834--Caricatures and cartoons., Harvey, Francis--Ownership., Holland, William, active 1782-1817, publisher., Leeds, Francis Godolphin Osborne,--Duke of,--1751-1799--Caricatures and cartoons., Pitt, William,--1759-1806--Caricatures and cartoons., Richmond and Lennox, Charles Lennox,--Duke of,--1735-1806--Caricatures and cartoons., Rose, George,--1744-1818--Caricatures and cartoons., Sydney, Thomas Townshend,--Viscount,--1733-1800--Caricatures and cartoons., Thurlow, Edward Thurlow,--Baron,--1731-1806--Caricatures and cartoons., Watson, Brook,--1735 -1807--Caricatures and cartoons., Wigstead, Henry, artist., and Wilkes, John,--1725-1797--Caricatures and cartoons.
The political and humourous works of Thomas Rowlandson, 1774-1825
Container / Volume:
Vol. 1 (Box 2 of 2) | Folder I-51
Image Count:
1
Resource Type:
Prints & Photographs
Abstract:
William Pitt, acting as an auctioneer in the dissoluted Parliament, sells from the rostrum decorated with Royal Arms "useless valuables," such as "Magna Charta." Cornwall, the Speaker sitting below the rostrum, records bids in the "Sundry acts." In front of him stands Thurlow in Chancellor's robes making dismissive comment on "nonsensical bidings of those common fellows," i.e. members of the House of Commons who leave through the door on the left. Last of them, Fox, turns back vowing to bid "with spirit" for lot 1, "rights of the people in 558 vol." held on display by Henry Dundas. A reference to the dissolution of the Parliament by the King on March 25.
Description:
CtY-LW, Printmaker from British Museum catalogue., Sheet trimmed within plate mark., and Title etched below image.
Publisher:
W. Humphry, no. 227 Strand
Subject (Geographic):
Great Britain--Politics and government--1760-1789.
Subject (Name):
Auchincloss, Hugh Dudley--Ownership., Cornwall, Charles Wolfran,--1735-1789--Caricatures and cartoons., Dundas, Henry,--1742-1811--Caricatures and cartoons., Fox, Charles James,--1749-1806--Caricatures and cartoons., Harvey, Francis--Ownership., Humphrey, William, approximately 1740-approximately 1810, publisher., Pitt, William,--1759-1806--Caricatures and cartoons., Riviere & Son Binding., and Thurlow, Edward Thurlow,--Baron,--1731-1806--Caricatures and cartoons.
Subject (Topic):
Auctions., Clothing & dress--England--1780-1790., Great Britain.--Parliament, 1783-1784., and Political elections--England--Westminster--1784.
"A burlesque of Fuseli's well-known picture illustrating 'Macbeth', i. 3. The three witches are Dundas, Pitt, and Thurlow, in profile to the right instead of to the left. Fuseli's drapery is replaced by clouds, and the three gaze with reflective and apprehensive intensity at the moon (right): the Queen's smiling profile in a brightly lit crescent faces them, enclosing the old moon, the darkened head of the King (eclipsed), with closed eyes in profile to the right. Each witch presses the fingers of his left hand (drawn with much expressiveness) to his lips (- 'each at once her choppy finger laying upon her skinny lips'); the outstretched left arm of Fuseli's picture is absent: they appear to be seeking knowledge of the future from the moon, not foretelling it."--British Museum online catalogue.
Alternative Title:
Weird sisters, ministers of darkness, minions of the moon and Wierd sisters, ministers of darkness, minions of the moon
Description:
Dedication etched above image: To H. Fuzelli Esqr. this attempt in the caricatura-sublime, is respectfully dedicated., One line quotation below title: "They should be women! and yet their beards forbid us to interpret, that they are so.", Printmaker from British Museum catalogue., and Title etched below image.
Publisher:
H. Humphrey, No. 18 Old Bond Street
Subject (Geographic):
Great Britain--Politics and government--1789-1820--Humor.
Subject (Name):
Auchincloss, Hugh Dudley--Ownership., Charlotte,--Queen, consort of George III, King of Great Britain,--1744-1818--Caricatures and cartoons., Dundas, Henry,--1742-1811--Caricatures and cartoons., Fuseli, Henry, 1741-1825, associated name. http://id.loc.gov/authorities/names/n79021856, Fuseli, Henry,--1741-1825--Parodies, imitations, etc., George--III,--King of Great Britain,--1738-1820--Caricatures and cartoons., Harvey, Francis--Ownership., Humphrey, Hannah, active 1774-1817, publisher. http://id.loc.gov/authorities/names/n97861435, Pitt, William,--1759-1806--Caricatures and cartoons., Shakespeare, William,--1564-1616.--Macbeth--Adaptations, parodies, etc., Thurlow, Edward Thurlow,--Baron,--1731-1806--Caricatures and cartoons., Walpole, Horace,--1717-1797--Ms. annotations., and Walpole, Horace,--1717-1797--Ownership.
Subject (Topic):
Eclipses., Moon., Politicians--Great Britain., Regency--Great Britain.--http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh2010110433, Sun., and Witches.