William Petty, Lord Shelburne, invites two gentlemen into a room to see "A pantomimical performance now exhibiting in the cabinet at St. Ja--ss [i.e., St. James's]." On a platform in front of them, Punch with the face of the Duke of Portland performs moves controlled by Lord North and Charles Fox who, from behind a screen in the back, pull strings attached to Punch's toes. A devil points at Portland while a demonic looking cherub with horns playing a trumpet. On the ledge above the entrance is a bust of George III who looks complacently at an image nailed to the wall in which Lord North is dancing with a fox and an Harlequin
Description:
Title from item., Sheet trimmed to plate mark., and Mounted to 28 x 37 cm.
Publisher:
Pub. by Mrs. D Archery, May 20, 1783, St. James Street
Subject (Geographic):
Great Britain and England
Subject (Name):
George III, King of Great Britain, 1738-1820, Fox, Charles James, 1749-1806, North, Frederick, Lord, 1732-1792, Portland, William Henry Cavendish-Bentinck, Duke of, 1738-1809, and Lansdowne, William Petty, Marquis of, 1737-1805
Subject (Topic):
Politics and government, Puppet shows, Demons, and Clothing & dress