A donkey with a man's head stands in an oval bandbox, in profile to the right. The head is possibly that of Lord Conyngham, wearing a mask inscribed "Incog[nito?]"; a blanket inscribed "G R" is draped over the donkey's back, and a small crown is present on its hindquarters. Upon the creature sits a man, possibly George IV; around the man's torso is a box, torn to show that it contains fur, and inscribed "Lad[y] Cunay[...] [Conynghamham's?] Muff Box". A hand from the right margin holds out a pail of "Virgin[ia] Water" close to the donkey's voracious mouth. The lid of the bandbox in which it stands is inscribed "Harness Box." The box, which is patterned with three-leaf clovers, contains various items including a crown, a sword, a military uniform, and a set of antlers. Behind (right) is a building that is marked "Hamilton Place" on its side
Alternative Title:
Kings ass in a band-box
Description:
Title etched below image., Sheet trimmed within plate mark., Not in the Catalogue of prints and drawings in the British Museum., Watermark: J. Whatman 1821., Mounted to 58 x 39 cm., Mounted (with one other print) on leaf 70 in volume 2 of the W.E. Gladstone collection of caricatures and broadsides surrounding the "Queen Caroline Affair.", and Figures of "George IV" and "Lord Conyngham" identified in pencil below image; date "May 1821" written in ink in lower right corner.
Publisher:
Pubd. by J. Johnston, No. 98 Cheapside
Subject (Name):
George IV, King of Great Britain, 1762-1830., Conyngham, Henry Conyngham, Marquess, 1766-1832., and Conyngham, Elizabeth Conyngham, Marchioness, -1861.
Subject (Topic):
Adultery, Donkeys, Boxes, Pails, Antlers, Crowns, and Military uniforms
