"One of a set of prints by one or more artists on the marriage of the Prince of Wales and Mrs. Fitzherbert. The interior of a well-furnished room. The Prince of Wales (left) takes the hand of Mrs. Fitzherbert and is about to put the ring on her finger. The officiating minister (left), Weltje, stands in profile to the right holding a book inscribed 'Matrimony' and 'Hoyle's Games'. From his pocket issues a paper, 'Weltjie's Natn Bill'. A cork-screw and another implement hang from his waist by a jewelled chain, simulating a rosary and cross; he wears a long gown over fashionably cut clothes. Next Mrs. Fitzherbert (right) stands George Hanger, giving her away; he wears regimentals with a huge cocked hat; under his left arm is a bludgeon (cf. BMSat 7116). The Prince wears the insignia of the Garter, Mrs. Fitzherbert (poorly characterized) wears a triple ostrich plume in her hair with the motto 'Ich dien'. On the wall are two pictures: a three quarter length portrait of Mrs. Fitzherbert, and (right) a Leda and the Swan, partly concealed by a curtain which fills the upper right corner of the design. Beneath the Leda is a semicircular table on which are vases and a book, 'Love's Last Shift' (Cibber's play). A hanging candelabra is part of the design."--British Museum online catalogue
Alternative Title:
Marriage of Figaro
Description:
Title from item., Sheet trimmed within plate mark., In lower right corner: Price 2s. 6d., Subjects of character identified by inscriptions on their clothing., Temporary local subject terms: Prussian officers' uniforms -- Furniture -- Pictures that amplify subject -- Literary allustions: Love's Last Shift by Colley Cibber -- Holcroft's Follies of the Day., Watermark in center of sheet., and In manuscript on verso: Horace Walpole sat 8:2.
Publisher:
Published March 13th 1786 by S.W. Fores, at the Caracature Warehouse, No. 3 Piccadilly
Subject (Name):
George IV, King of Great Britain, 1762-1830, Fitzherbert, Maria Anne, 1756-1837, Hanger, George, 1751?-1824, and Weltje, Louis, 1745-1810
