"An etching comprising several allegorical and grotesque figures assembled on clouds or on smoke, before the gaping jaws of a monster, which, in the manner of medieval representations of the Mouth of Hell, emits flames. In front of this is a wolf in sheep's clothing, i.e., a fleece shaped like a clergyman's canonicals, and bearing on its head a church. The next figure is that of horned owl with spectacles, a satyr's leg and hoof, and a wooden leg; in one hand, or harpy's claw, this creature holds a balance, in which "honesty", inscribed on a deed(?) is outweighed by a bag of money, on which is marked '£100800'; in the other claw is a scroll, inscribed, "Mongri(or "a") Farca." A fox follows, offering a bag marked, "10,000". The head of a bishop in a mitre appears behind. In the middle of the design the Princess of Wales, as a sphinx-like she-goat, looks at the above-named figures, and is ridden by the Earl of Bute, as a he-goat, with a jack-boat, alluding to John Stuart, Earl of Bute, on one of his legs. A cerberus-like monster, or three centaurs, with zanies' trappings, and holding marrow-bones and cleavers which are beaten together, is followed by an old man who sounds a drum. Another old man advances eagerly from our right; his profile resembles that of the Duke of Newcastle, but probably was not intended to do so; he wears armour, and an enormous wig; he has a flame-like sword in one hand, and extends the other hand, which is like a claw; he has likewise a satyr's leg."--British Museum catalogue
Description:
Title etched above image., A copy of print no. 169 of the illustrations to: Political and satirical history., Numbered '4' in upper right corner., Illustration to: The British antidote to Caledonian poison., "Price six pence."--Following imprint which is mostly burnished from the plate in this state., and With annotations in Bowditch's hand, identifying the figures depicted; mounted on a sheet 33.2 x 45.5 cm.
Publisher:
[...] in Fleet Street
Subject (Geographic):
Great Britain.
Subject (Name):
Bute, John Stuart, Earl of, 1713-1792 and Charlotte, Queen, consort of George III, King of Great Britain, 1744-1818
Subject (Topic):
Corruption, Dogs, Caricatures, Clergy, Hell, Monsters, and Supernatural beings