"The Duke of York (left) and the Prince of Wales (right) stand one on each side of a church door, each holding out a collecting-plate, and each saying, "Pray remember the poor Charity Children of St Jams parish". Behind, a crowd of men leave the Church, Pitt holding out a plate to them, saying, "What is £130,000 pr Ann when you consider the price of provisions & other things pray remember." Three labels rise from the heads of the reluctant congregation (M.P.s): "I have disinherited my own Son for contracting Debts at Brothels & gaming Tables; At the last Charity Sermon both his Father & he promis'd. that he shd not become chargeable to the parish again"; "This Begging is made a Trade of". The tiny Duchess of York, also holding a plate, stands with her left hand under the Duke's arm, saying, "I was born in a strange Land of honest Parents, but their characters are neither here nor there pray remember". The Princess of Wales, three ostrich plumes in her hair, stands with her plate behind the Prince's back, looking at him reproachfully over her right shoulder and saying, "I came here naked & he hath half cover'd me pray remember". On the extreme right stands the stout Mrs. Fitzherbert in profile to the left, clutching papers inscribed '6000 Pr Ann' (see BMSat 8485); she says: "It's always good to have something in hand." The Duke of Clarence, wearing striped sailor's trousers and a cocked hat, stands on the extreme left with an infant (one of the Fitzclarences) in his arms; he holds a paper (or collecting-box): 'Mrs Jordans Night'. The infant holds a paper: 'For the Benefit of Mrs Jordan - a new Way to pay Old Debts the part of Sr Giles Overreach by Mr George, being his second Appearance in that Character.' (Massinger's comedy, revived several times in the eighteenth century.) The Duke looks down disconsolately as if aware that he would have no share in the collection but would be forced to rely on his mistress's earnings. In the background the King and Queen are seated on one horse as in BMSat 6918, a sign-post pointing 'To Windsor'. The King says: "I never interfere in Parish Business they must provide for their own poor." The Queen says: "Charity begins at home Love who knows what we may all come to." (Cf. BMSat 7836.) 19 June [1795]."--British Museum online catalogue
Alternative Title:
Mock charity sermon to a dissenting congregation
Description:
Title etched below image., Watermark., and Mounted to 34 x 42 cm.
Publisher:
Pubd. May 25, 1795, by J. Aitken, Castle Street, Leiceter [sic] Square
Subject (Name):
George III, King of Great Britain, 1738-1820, Charlotte, consort of George III, King of Great Britain, 1744-1818, George IV, King of Great Britain, 1762-1830, Caroline, Queen, consort of George IV, King of Great Britain, 1768-1821, Frederick Augustus, Prince, Duke of York and Albany, 1763-1827, Frederica Charlotte Ulrica Catherina, Princess, Duchess of York, 1767-1820, William IV, King of Great Britain, 1765-1837, Fitzherbert, Maria Anne, 1756-1837, and Jordan, Dorothy, 1761-1816
