"Fox is being chaired (left to right) in a high-backed chair wreathed with laurel, according to the custom in Westminster at the close of an election. The three supporters of the chair (three quarter length figures in the foreground) are three ladies, all young and pretty, one of course the Duchess of Devonshire. On the third (left) is inscribed 'Portland Place', probably the Duchess of Portland, possibly Lady Archer, called 'the Portland Place Archer'. The other is probably Lady Duncannon. All three wear hats trimmed with a fox's brush. The foremost lady (right) holds a paper inscribed 'British Constitution'. Beside Fox in his chair is the cap of Liberty on its staff; he holds up a torn paper inscribed 'Rights of England'; in his left hand is a paper inscribed 'Privileges of the People'. A cluster of cherubs' heads beside him, emerging from clouds, is inscribed 'Voice of the People'; the principal cherub blows a trumpet from which issue the words 'Fox & Liberty'. In the background behind the chair (left) is a sea of heads; on the right is Sam House wearing his hat. Beneath the design is etched:'Friends freemen Britons all your strength be tried To quell oppression stem corruptions tide Let shouting plaudits fill resounding air And Fox & virtue set in freedom's chair.'"--British Museum online catalogue
Description:
Title trimmed from this impression? Title from earlier state published by W. Wall on April 12, 1784. Cf. Catalogue of prints and drawings in the British Museum. Division I, political and personal satires, v. 6, no. 6524., Sheet trimmed on the bottom within plate mark., Not in the Catalogue of prints and drawings in the British Museum. Division I, political and personal satires., and Countermark in center of sheet: T.W. [monogram].
Publisher:
Pubd. May 18, 1784 by W. Holland, No. 66 Drury Lane
Subject (Geographic):
England) and London.
Subject (Name):
Fox, Charles James, 1749-1806, Cavendish, Georgiana Spencer, Duchess of Devonshire, 1757-1806, Bessborough, Henrietta Frances Spencer Ponsonby, Countess of, 1761-1821, Portland, Dorothy Cavendish, Duchess of, 1750-1794, House, Samuel, -1785, and Great Britain. Parliament
Subject (Topic):
Elections, 1784, Musical instruments, Parades & processions, and Political elections
Title and printmaker from British Museum catalogue., "Phillips" identified as printmaker in British Museum catalogue., Temporary local subject terms: Trumpet blown by cherub -- Furniture: Chair wreathed with laurel -- Cap of Liberty -- Cherubs' heads -- Election litters., and Mounted to 29 x 23 cm.
Publisher:
Pubd. April 12, 1784 by W. Wall, No. 31 Charles St. opposite Middlesex Hospittal [sic]
Subject (Geographic):
England) and London.
Subject (Name):
Fox, Charles James, 1749-1806, Cavendish, Georgiana Spencer, Duchess of Devonshire, 1757-1806, Bessborough, Henrietta Frances Spencer Ponsonby, Countess of, 1761-1821, Portland, Dorothy Cavendish, Duchess of, 1750-1794, House, Samuel, -1785, and Great Britain. Parliament
Subject (Topic):
Elections, 1784, Angels, Musical instruments, Canvassing, and Political elections
On a raised platform, the Devil sits on top of 3 casks, one labelled "small beer". He straddles a huge key, from which are suspended, as on a gallows, 2 gentlemen, the one on the right bearing some resemblance to George III. On the left 2 maids or washerwomen wave mop and broom at the hanged man (possibly Pitt?), saying "You tax maid servants no more". On the right Samuel House, standing before his tavern, offers a tankard to Jeffrey Dunstan, who is voicing his support of Charles James Fox. The Devil is uttering the words of the title
Alternative Title:
Key of the back stairs and the small beer etc
Description:
Title derived from text in image. and Mounted to 27 x 40 cm.
Publisher:
publisher not identified
Subject (Geographic):
England
Subject (Name):
Dunstan, Jeffery, 1759?-1797. and House, Samuel, -1785.
Subject (Topic):
Devil, Keys (Hardware), Taverns (Inns), Women domestics, Hangings, and Clothing & dress
