"A sequence of six designs in two rows. [1] 'Begging before the Door of his Benefactor.' Young Leach, as a crossing-sweeper, holds out his hat to a gentleman who amiably puts in a coin. The latter walks away from a street-door with a plate inscribed 'Sir Robt Taylor'. [2] 'In the Service of his Benefactor.' Leach, as a young footman in livery, walks behind Taylor and his wife, who are returning from a country church. He carries cane and prayer-book. [3] 'As Clerk to his Benefactor.' Leach writes at a desk in a bare room, with a shelf of books high on the wall. [4] 'Now a Lawyer!!!' He sits in a well-furnished room, smilingly giving advice to a dismayed client (cf. British Museum Satires No. 11931, &c.). [5] 'Becomes a Counsellor!!! Thanks to his Benefactor.' Scene in court, with a crowded gallery. As one of a row of barristers Leach makes an impassioned appeal to the judge. [6] 'And now a Judge!!! Thanks to the Nation.' From the bench he looks down at a row of barristers. After the title: 'Every Merit should be Awarded to a Man for having raised himself from Beggary to so prominent a Station. The utmost Hatred, does that Man deserve who would create Despotism in our Land.'"--British Museum online catalogue
Alternative Title:
Gradations of a Vice Chancellor and "'Tis better to be born lucky than rich"
Description:
Title from text below image., Publisher's statement written in ink on separate piece of paper (11 x 38 mm) pasted below lower left corner of image., Date of publication from the British Museum catalogue., Imperfect; sheet trimmed with partial loss of statement of responsibility from lower right. Missing text supplied from the British Museum catalogue., and Mounted on page 22 of: George Humphrey shop album.
Publisher:
Pubd. by Garmeson, No. 2 St. Swithins Lane, Lombard Stt.
Subject (Name):
Leach, John, 1760-1834 and Taylor, Robert, Sir, 1714-1788
