Woodward, G. M. (George Moutard), approximately 1760-1809, artist
Published / Created:
[approximately 1801]
Call Number:
Drawings W87 no. 28 Box D180
Image Count:
1
Resource Type:
still image
Abstract:
The surface of a platform stretches across the design; on this Pitt (right), valiant but anxious, faces the massive Russian bear, Paul, behind whom stands a stout ferocious-looking Russian soldier (like a showman with a performing animal), nearsightedly reading a document: 'Be it known to all men, - that my master, - the most Magnanimous [see BMSat 9415] most puissant, most powerful and most wonderful great Bear of the north - being in his sound and sober senses - Challenges the Whole World to single combat - and commences his first trial of skill, here in Moorfields, after which it is his intention to persue his Travels, and visit every Court in Europe - Asia - Africa - and America'. The bear wears a plumed crown, a collar inscribed 'Paul Bruin', to which are attached the massive links of a chain. His drawn sword is 'Temper'd-á-lá-Suwarrow!' On his shield is a grotesque head with gaping mouth, and the inscription 'Swallow All O.' Pitt wears a plumed helmet and light armour. His sword is 'Temper'd á-lá Nelson', his shield is inscribed 'Howe', 'Duncan', 'Nelson', 'Jervaise' [St. Vincent], 'Warren', 'Parker'. The platform is surrounded by a dense and jovial crowd. The windows and roofs of the adjacent houses are crowded with tiny waving figures; a boy sits on the high wall before a bunding inscribed 'Moor Fields' and probably intended for Bedlam
Alternative Title:
Magnanimous Paul O! challenging all O
Description:
Title and date from Rowlandson print after this drawing., Attributed to Woodward., For the print based on this drawing see: Catalogue of prints and drawings in the British Museum. Division I, political and personal satires, v. 8, no. 9702., and For further information, consult library staff.
Subject (Name):
Pitt, William, 1759-1806, Paul I, Emperor of Russia, 1754-1801, St. Vincent, John Jervis, Viscount, 1735-1823., Howe, Richard Howe, Earl, 1726-1799., Duncan of Camperdown, Adam Duncan, Viscount, 1731-1804., Nelson, Horatio Nelson, Viscount, 1758-1805., and Suvorov, Aleksandr Vasilʹevich, kni︠a︡zʹ Italiĭskiĭ, 1730-1800.