"Satire on the expected effect of a return of John Wilkes to parliament. Wilkes as Hercules leaps over the fallen figure of Discord to seize the arm of the Speaker, Sir John Cust, as members flee in all directions. In the front, to right, is Fletcher Norton, holding a bag of money while other coins fall from his pocket as he steps over the mace, lettered "A Mere Bauble" (quoting Oliver Cromwell). In the background, on a pedestal decorated with the mournful figure of Britannia, a bloated figure squats over "Magna Charta". It has three heads, a wolf, a snake and a sheep; one outstretched hand is in the form of a claw, the other holds a bag of money. Behind this figure, Lord Bute, emerges raising hands in shock at the sight of Wilkes/Hercules."--British Museum online catalogue
Description:
Title from text above image., Two lines of text below image: The figure on the pedestal is the symbol of bribery, corruption & hypocrisy., Plate from: The Political register and London museum. London : Printed for J. Almon [1767-1772], v. 2 (1768), page 193., and Temporary local subject terms: Mythology -- Influence: Lord Bute's influence -- Emblems: Speaker's mace -- Bags of money -- Personifications: Bribery, Corruption and Hypocrisy -- Weapons: mace.
