Golden.rules.of Frederick.K.of Prussia print].

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William Humphrey
Golden.rules.of Frederick.K.of Prussia print].
etching, hand colored
image: 128 x 146 mm; plate mark: 156 x 154 mm; sheet: 174 x 171 mm
Purchased by J. Pierpont Morgan, 1900.
Peel 2325
Published: 
[London] : Publish'd as the Act Directs For the Proprietor by W Humphrey Jany 29 1780 N° 227 Strand or N° 18 New Bond St, [1780].
Provenance: 
Formerly owned by Sir Robert Peel.
Notes: 

Title from item.
"An implied censure on political and social conditions in England"--George.

Summary: 

Print shows the double-headed Hohenzollern eagle clutches in its claws a ribbon on which is inscribed "The Glorious Discharge of Arnold the Miller". In the center of the body is a circle, containing the initials "FR" [Frederick Rex], surmounted by a crown. Framing this design is a garland of oak-leaves, olive-leaves, &c, intertwined with a ribbon on which is inscribed, "Take away the Wicked from ye Presence of ye King and his Throne shall be exalted; No respect of Persons; May the name of Justice never be violated by Acts of injustice or Oppression; in the Presence of Justice all should be equal wither [sic] Prince or Peasant; To bring all Law Suits to a speedy conclusion". To the garland are attached medallions which hang in the two lower corners of the print containing miniature figures: right, Perseus in Roman armor holding a spear and a shield with Medusa's head; left, Justice holding scales and uplifted sword. The design has a background of horizontal lines. Cf. BM Satires.

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