The unexpected visit, or, More free than welcome [graphic].

Description

Title: The unexpected visit, or, More free than welcome [graphic].
Alternative Title: More free than welcome
Creator: Heath, William, 1795-1840, printmaker
Contributor: Fores, S. W., publisher.
Published / Created: [17 June 1820]
Publication Place: London
Publisher: Pub. June 17th, 1820, by S.W. Fores, 50 Picadilli [sic]
Abstract: "The King, in Chinese costume and seated on a cushion, among the chinoiseries of the Pavilion (cf. British Museum Satires No. 12749), throws up his arms in terror at the entry (right) of the Queen, closely followed by Alderman Wood. Her demure dress contrasts with that of a woman, who, much alarmed, runs off to the left from beside the King. Sidmouth (left) and Castlereagh (right), both in Chinese dress, are equally terrified, and Lord Eldon peeps anxiously from behind a little pagoda. Both visitors extend an arm towards the King in an authoritative gesture. Words float from them towards the King: 'Nothing extenuate nor set down aught in Malice [Othello, v. ii] men sleeping with her at Black Heath 1808 v. call Hoods [sic].'"--British Museum online catalogue
Description: Title etched below image.
Printmaker from the British Museum catalogue.
1 print : etching ; sheet 24.2 x 34.9 cm.
Printed on laid paper with watermark; hand-colored.
Mounted to 58 x 39 cm.
Mounted (with one other print) on leaf 22 in volume 1 of the W.E. Gladstone collection of caricatures and broadsides surrounding the "Queen Caroline Affair."
Figures of "Lady Conyngham," "George IV," and "Caroline" identified in pencil in lower margin. Typed extract of four lines from the British Museum catalogue description is pasted beneath print.
Provenance: Sold by London's Dulau and Company to the New York City bookseller Ernest R. Gee in 1928. Earlier ownership by W.E. Gladstone is suggested by a manuscript note from Dulau formerly laid into the front the first volume (now in the object file), which states that "These came from the Gladstone Library at Court Hey, Broad Green. The manuscript notes written below the caricatures are in the handwriting of W.E. Gladstone." William Reese Company; February 2024.
Extent: 1 print : plate mark 24.8 x 36 cm, on sheet 25.8 x 38 cm
Extent of Digitization: This object has been completely digitized.
Language: English