A satire on the attitude of Pitt towards the debts of the Prince in 1786, when the latter ostentatiously discharged the workmen at Carlton House.
Title etched below image.
Printmaker from British Museum catalogue.
Etched on the same plate with companion print: The prince in clover (BM Satires 7168).
Library's impression on single sheet (measuring 275 x 204 mm) with the companion print, "The Prince in clover" (Peel 2608b).
"The Prince of Wales stands outside the gate of Carlton House, turning away and covering his eyes to avoid seeing the scaffolding which is being pulled down by Pitt, Richmond, and Dundas, who strain at ropes. A long cloak hangs from his shoulders and he holds a coronet decorated with three feathers. Thurlow with a broom and Dundas with a whip chase away a terrified crowd of artisans (left) who have been employed at Carlton House. Beside the Prince stand his friends, who look towards a rising sun appearing over the roof of Carlton House; m the disk stands Liberty, beckoning to them. Fox holds out a roll inscribed 'Magna Chart[a]'; Burke stands with his hand on North's shoulder; Sheridan holds the 'Bill of Rights'."--British Museum online catalogue.