Byron, Frederick George, 1764-1792, attributed name
Published / Created:
[April 1791]
Call Number:
791.04.00.01+
Image Count:
1
Resource Type:
still image
Abstract:
"Four men stand on the sea-shore, in back view but looking to the right: the King of Prussia stands between Holland (left) and Pitt (right); he holds Holland by the ear and kicks Pitt behind, saying, "This is the balance of Europe". Pitt, who is blindfolded, says, "yes I'll maintain it"; he holds out in each hand a naming fire-brand to two towns on the right, 'Cronstadt' and 'Rerel' [sic]. The whole district is in flames, and there are four other burning cities (one 'Riga'); the flames and smoke from all six merge and are inscribed 'Russia', 'Poland', 'Germany', 'Austria'. The sea which stretches between Pitt and the burning cities is the 'Baltic'. On it is a boat containing four men: the helmsman says, "I would rather be a Baltic trader"; the two oarsmen say, "Do not mind it, it will bring other wars" and "No prize money"; a man looking through a telescope says, "No Galeons - Storms, Sholas & Rocks." A man standing on the shore shouts to the boat "nothing good to be got by it." Frederick William, who wears crown, military uniform, and jack-boots, conceals behind him, half thrust into his coat-pocket, a paper: 'Danzic & Thorn'. Holland, a fat burgher, is smoking; he says "What a blessed Alliance". In his right hand is a paper: 'pyg--t O I hope all dis vill end in a Smoke.' The fourth man, who stands on the extreme left, is a British citizen who scowls as he reads a newspaper inscribed 'The Trade of the Baltic Lost - New Taxes Malt - Porter'. Across the sky stretches a large scroll inscribed 'The Cause of the War'; from it is suspended a tiny medallion: 'Ocsakow'."--British Museum online catalogue
Alternative Title:
Political blind-buff man, or, The ministerial expediency, Ministerial expediency, and Cause of the war
Description:
Title etched below image., Text etched within banner in top part of image: The cause of the war., Printmaker identified as Frederick George Byron by Andrew Edmunds., Publisher's advertisement below imprint: In Holland's Exhibition Rooms may be seen the largest collection of caricatures in Europe, admitce. one shilg., Sheet trimmed within plate mark., Watermark in center of sheet., and Mounted to: 36 x 49.2 cm.
Publisher:
Pubd. April 1791 by W. Holland, No. 50 Oxford St.
Subject (Geographic):
Europe
Subject (Name):
Pitt, William, 1759-1806 and Frederick William II, King of Prussia, 1744-1797
