Mrs. Clarke's petticoat

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Isaac Cruikshank
1756?-1811?
Mrs. Clarke's petticoat
hand colored etching
image: 277 x 201 mm; sheet: 347 x 224 mm
Purchased by J. Pierpont Morgan, 1900.
Peel 1936
Published: 
[London] : Pubd by S W Fores n° 50 Piccadilly Feby 23 1809, February 23, 1809.
Provenance: 
Formerly owned by Sir Robert Peel.
Notes: 

Lettered with title, text below image and publication line "Pubd by S W Fores n° 50 Piccadilly Feby 23 1809."
Library's copy trimmed within plate mark.

Summary: 

A figure with the cocked hat of the Duke of York supported on a crosier issuing from a mitre. This mitre rests on a flat surface inscribed 'Magic Circle' and representing the waist of Mrs. Clarke. From this hangs a petticoat, short enough to reveal the Duke's boots, the base of the figure. Round the hem of the petticoat is a broad blue band, representing the Garter ribbon, and inscribed 'HONI SOIT QUI MAL Y PENSE'. From the waist hangs a pocket filled with guineas. Below the title: 'Under this may be found a soothing for every pain, a remedy for every sorrow & a reward for every trouble--here the lover may find bliss--the hero rest & the Church Man as comfortable a repose as can be obtained on earth--here no diplomas are required to substantiate merit--no proofs necessary to be given of Genius Talents or Honor no impediments of Want of Virtue, Character or Reputation, but any one may slip in unperceived (secrecy being Observed) & meet the reward of his laudable ambition provided he can deposite a few Guineas in the pocket appended or lodge a reasonable deposit at Coutt's or Clarke's & C° Gloucester place'

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