On a raised platform, the Devil sits on top of 3 casks, one labelled "small beer". He straddles a huge key, from which are suspended, as on a gallows, 2 gentlemen, the one on the right bearing some resemblance to George III. On the left 2 maids or washerwomen wave mop and broom at the hanged man (possibly Pitt?), saying "You tax maid servants no more". On the right Samuel House, standing before his tavern, offers a tankard to Jeffrey Dunstan, who is voicing his support of Charles James Fox. The Devil is uttering the words of the title
Alternative Title:
Key of the back stairs and the small beer etc
Description:
Title derived from text in image. and Mounted to 27 x 40 cm.
Publisher:
publisher not identified
Subject (Geographic):
England
Subject (Name):
Dunstan, Jeffery, 1759?-1797. and House, Samuel, -1785.
Subject (Topic):
Devil, Keys (Hardware), Taverns (Inns), Women domestics, Hangings, and Clothing & dress