"A spectacled auctioneer (the well-known Squibb) stands full-face in his rostrum with hammer raised, pointing downwards at a misshapen brass (yellow) figure of Queen Caroline in quasi-classical draperies, her arms akimbo, and displaying an ungainly leg. She stands on a wooden head of Alderman Wood, both being directed slightly to the left. Her sandalled feet rest on two curving supports of the head, which resemble the drooping peaks of a fool's cap. Near it lies a bundle of bulky papers, 'Defence of Innocence', labelled 'Lot 2 Waste Paper'. These two lots are on a table forming the base of the design below the rostrum. Behind the auctioneer less conspicuous lots are ranged on shelves: more bulky bundles inscribed 'Waste Paper Lot 3--Times'. A box of bonnets rouges with tricolour cockades inscribed 'To be Sold by Private Contract', with other chests of caps and of daggers, both inscribed 'Private'. A jar is 'Lot 5 Unsunned Snow' [see British Museum Satires No. 13975]."--British Museum online catalogue
Alternative Title:
Going! A going! the last time ... and To be sold by public auction, by Mr. Squib at Bullock's rooms ...
Description:
Title etched above image., Seven lines of text below image: To be sold by public auction, by Mr. Squib at Bullock's rooms. Lot 1. (for exportation) Xantippe, a brazen statue, supported by a prime block of soft alder wood, a matchless article ..., Sheet trimmed within plate mark., and Mounted on page 26 of: George Humphrey shop album.
Publisher:
Pubd. Aprial [sic] 13, 1821, by G. Humphrey, No. 27 St. James's St., London
Subject (Name):
Caroline, Queen, consort of George IV, King of Great Britain, 1768-1821, Wood, Matthew, Sir, 1768-1843, Squibb, George, approximately 1764-1831, Bergami, Bartolomeo Bergami, Baron., Bullock, William, 1773-1849., and Xanthippe.
Subject (Topic):
Auctions, Auctioneers, Stages (Platforms), Gavels, Sculpture, Documents, and Liberty cap