"John Bull, a much overburdened soldier, looks up in angry dismay at a helmet inscribed 'Glory' which Pitt (left) is about to place on his head. He says, "O D----n the Glory I shall never be able to bear it all!" Pitt stands in profile to the right; the large plumed helmet which he holds up in both hands is irradiated. From his pocket hangs a long paper headed 'List of Ships £5000000'. John Bull, short and stout, stands full face wearing a gorget, with two pistols in his belt, a long sabre suspended horizontally from his waist, its blade inscribed 'Twenty more Kill em!' He holds a blunderbuss in his right hand, which fires 'Pop Pop' into the air; a large pike in his left hand, a broadsword held in his left arm; a musket and a huge knapsack are slung on his back. In the foreground are ordnance stores: a barrel (left) inscribed 'Right Richmond double Proof' with cannon-balls, and (right) a cannon, cannon-balls, drum, and flag. In the background a fleet of ships sails from the shore on which stands a cheering crowd."--British Museum online catalogue
Alternative Title:
Arming John Bull to fight the bugaboos!!!
Description:
Title etched below image., Attributed to Samuel Collings in dealer's description; attributed to James Hook in the British Museum catalogue., Date of publication precedes publisher's statement., Sheet trimmed within plate mark., and Formerly mounted on blue paper with residue on back.
Publisher:
Pub. by S.W. Fores, No. 3 Piccadilly
Subject (Name):
Pitt, William, 1759-1806
Subject (Topic):
John Bull (Symbolic character), Arms & armament, and Ships
