Literary characters assembled round a medallion of Shakespeare / Mortimer del. ; L. Bates fect.

"Figures grouped on each side of a central post or terminal which supports a small circular platform. The summit of the post is decorated with the heads of Comedy in profile to the left, of Tragedy in profile to the right; between them is the head of a satyr. On the platform a kneeling female figure supports a large medallion with the head of Shakespeare (or perhaps Ben Jonson) in relief. The two central figures are an elderly man (left) seated with his legs crossed, fingers held together, who resembles Dr. Johnson. On the right of the post sits a stout and aged man, in gown and bands, without a wig; he is asleep and is inscribed 'A Fellow of Maudlin'. Farthest right, and in profile to the right, is an elderly man holding a large volume under his arm; he wears a handkerchief or turban twisted round his head, and may be intended for an artist. These three are three quarter length figures. Behind them fourteen other persons are grouped, whose heads or heads and shoulders alone are visible. All are men except for one sharp-featured elderly woman in profile to the right, wearing a frilled cap. One man clutches his forehead and may be intended for an actor; another reads a book with a scowl of concentration."--British Museum catalog.