A satire on Queen Caroline's alleged affair with Bartolomeo Bergami. On the left is the figure of Queen Caroline, with a parasol in her right hand and holding the hand of a child with her left hand. The child says "Only look- how he kicks!!" Her response is "Yes, yes, child- Many will be upset before it's over.-" The donkey, wearing a rosette and elaborate saddle, bucks his rider, Bergami, who says "I'm not a great rider - I only ride a Donkey!!!" A servant dressed in oriental costume makes reference to himself and his master, saying "My master and I are both Greeks." The grotto behind the servant has a sign "Grotto. Villa d'Este"; above the grotto is a wind vane with an arrow pointing left on which is inscribed "Non mi Recordo." The white structure of Villa d'Este proper is seen on the left above the bushes, with Lake Como and the mountains beyond in the center background. In the foreground, amongst the flowers, is a potted orange tree on the left and a potted pineapple on the right
Alternative Title:
Guildford high mettled racer
Description:
Title etched below image., Date of publication inferred from other prints depicting Queen Caroline and Bergami at Villa d'Este on Lake Como. Cf. Nos. 14103 and 14171 in the Catalogue of prints and drawings in the British Museum. Division I, political and personal satires, v. 10., Sheet trimmed within plate mark., Not in the Catalogue of prints and drawings in the British Museum. Division I, political and personal satires., and Mounted on page 15 of: George Humphrey shop album.
Publisher:
publisher not identified
Subject (Geographic):
Como, Lake (Italy),
Subject (Name):
Caroline, Queen, consort of George IV, King of Great Britain, 1768-1821, Bergami, Bartolomeo Bergami, Baron, and Villa d'Este, Spa,
Subject (Topic):
Adultery, Donkeys, Riding, Umbrellas, Whips, and Servants
"Bergami, very swarthy, dressed as a courier, rides (right to left) a galloping she-goat with the head of Queen Caroline. She smiles, holding the rein in her mouth. Both look to the picture plane, the Queen pleased, Bergami complacent. He flourishes a heavy postilion's whip with a long curling lash. Behind are trees, Lake Como, and Villa d'Este, inscribed 'Licenced Temple of Fancy'. Figures posture on the roof, as if dancing, as in British Museum Satires No. 14189. In the middle distance a man brandishing a whip is carried on the shoulders of a woman."--British Museum online catalogue
Description:
Title etched below image., Attributed to Theodore Lane in the British Museum catalogue., Sheet trimmed within plate mark., Text below title: Set a courier on goat-back and he'll ride to the Devil., and Mounted on page 7 of: George Humphrey shop album.
Publisher:
Pubd. by G. Humphrey, 27 St. James's St.
Subject (Geographic):
Como, Lake (Italy),
Subject (Name):
Caroline, Queen, consort of George IV, King of Great Britain, 1768-1821, Bergami, Bartolomeo Bergami, Baron, and Villa d'Este, Spa,