The K-gs ass in a band-box [graphic].

Description

Title: The K-gs ass in a band-box [graphic].
Alternative Title: Kings ass in a band-box
Contributor: Johnson, James, active 1810-1827, publisher.
Published / Created: May 1821.
Publication Place: London
Publisher: Pubd. by J. Johnston, No. 98 Cheapside
Abstract: A donkey with a man's head stands in an oval bandbox, in profile to the right. The head is possibly that of Lord Conyngham, wearing a mask inscribed "Incog[nito?]"; a blanket inscribed "G R" is draped over the donkey's back, and a small crown is present on its hindquarters. Upon the creature sits a man, possibly George IV; around the man's torso is a box, torn to show that it contains fur, and inscribed "Lad[y] Cunay[...] [Conynghamham's?] Muff Box". A hand from the right margin holds out a pail of "Virgin[ia] Water" close to the donkey's voracious mouth. The lid of the bandbox in which it stands is inscribed "Harness Box." The box, which is patterned with three-leaf clovers, contains various items including a crown, a sword, a military uniform, and a set of antlers. Behind (right) is a building that is marked "Hamilton Place" on its side
Description: Title etched below image.
Sheet trimmed within plate mark.
Not in the Catalogue of prints and drawings in the British Museum.
Watermark: J. Whatman 1821.
Mounted to 58 x 39 cm.
Mounted (with one other print) on leaf 70 in volume 2 of the W.E. Gladstone collection of caricatures and broadsides surrounding the "Queen Caroline Affair."
Figures of "George IV" and "Lord Conyngham" identified in pencil below image; date "May 1821" written in ink in lower right corner.
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 of 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 : sheet 27.1 x 21.2 cm
Extent of Digitization: This object has been completely digitized.
Language: English