"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
A scene outside the Ram Inn (with a ram above the sign "Dealer in foreigh wintes"), part of whose front forms a background. Yokels are crowded in a wagons with banners, fiddlers, and trumpeter, all wearing favors, and accompanied by many pedestrians (including women and children with dogs) and one or two mounted men. They are witnesses, &c., in a lawsuit on the claim of the vicar of Berkeley, Mr. Carrington, to the great tithes of Gloucester; on a verdict against the vicar they are about to go in procession to Berkeley for a celebration near the vicarage, with a roasted ox, firing of small cannon, &c.
Description:
Title and imprint from published state., Plate etched for: Westmacott, C.M. English spy. London : Sherwood, Jones, and Co., 1825-1826., For published state see: No. 15225 in the Catalogue of prints and drawings in the British Museum. Division I, political and personal satires, v. 10., and Ms. note in pencil on front: Page 334, Vol. 2.
