Titianus redivivus, or, The seven-wise-men consulting the new Venetian oracle a scene in [the] academic grove. No. 1 / [graphic]

"An elaborate composition, divided by the arc of a rainbow which supports a woman who stands at a large dark canvas daubing at a goblin-like bearded figure intended for Titian. She holds a palette and brushes, but her paints are mixed together in an earthenware pot like those used by house - or sign-painters (as in BMSat 7770); this stands on the rainbow at her feet; an ass with the wings of Pegasus kneels to drink greedily from it. His wings are covered with words: 'Review', 'Magazines', 'Advertis[er]', 'Squib', 'Herald', 'Times', 'True Briton', 'Puff' [repeated many times], 'World', 'Morning Chronicle', 'Evening Post', 'Star', 'Sham Abuse', 'Squibbs', 'Oracle', 'Courier'. Above the canvas, and at the apex of the design, is an eagle surrounded with flames, and the centre of rays which illuminate black clouds in the upper part of the print; in its claws is a scroll: 'Venetian. Manuscript'. The artist is poised on high-heeled shoes, her quilted petticoat is ragged, but from her waist hangs a vast train which drapes the rainbow and terminates in peacock's feathers. This is held up by three naked Graces. Along the rainbow is etched: 'redeunt Titianica regna, jam nova progenies coelo demittitur alto'. Part of a reflected rainbow issues from the painting on the canvas, with a fainter version of the inscription '. . . va pro[gen]ies . . . demittitur alto', letters being concealed by the hair of the artist and by a flamboyant winged figure seated on the rainbow; he blows his trumpet, from which issue the words: 'You little Stars, hide your diminish'd Head[s].' These words terminate in thick clouds from which five stars fall like meteors, leaving trails inscribed: 'Rubens', 'Correggio', 'Michael Angelo', 'Raphael', 'Parmegiano'. Beneath the rainbow is a paved floor. In the foreground (left) the head and shoulders of (the ghost of) Sir Joshua Reynolds emerge, pushing up one of the stones; he is draped in a shroud, but wears spectacles; in his right hand is his ear-trumpet, his left is raised admonishingly ..."--British Museum online catalogue