A mis-fire at the constitution [print] / JS. f.

Accession number: 
PML 146857.105
Author: 
Sayers, James, 1748-1823.
Published: 
[London] : Publ 12th Jany 1789 by Thos. Cornell, [1789].
Description: 
1 print : etching ; image: 222 x 254 mm; plate mark: 238 x 262 mm; sheet: 274 x 307 mm
Credit: 
Bequest of Gordon N. Ray, 1987.
Notes: 

Satire on the press campaign against Pitt during the Regency crisis.
Item no. 105 of a collection of prints by James Sayers (PML 146857); formerly part of an album of mounted prints, now disbound.

Inscriptions/Markings: 

Fox and Sheridan are identified in pencil at bottom right.

Provenance: 
From the library of Gordon N. Ray.
Summary: 

Print shows Fox (right) having just fired a musket at the British Lion (left), who lies beneath a cushion on which are the crown and sceptre; in his paws is a large scroll: 'The Rights of the People'. Fox is resting his musket on the back of his shooting-pony (his stalking-horse), whose head is held by Sheridan. The headband, inscribed 'Ich Dien', and holding the Prince's feathers, indicates the Prince of Wales. His eyes are covered by blinkers. Under his fore-feet are two papers: 'Addresses from Edinburgh Glasgow Borough of Southwark' and 'City of London Vote of Thanks to Mr Pitt . . . 267'. Papers issue from Sheridan's coat-pocket and flutter to the ground: 'Paragraph against the Minister, Puffs direct for the P------e, Puffs oblique for the P------e of W', etc. Under his foot is the 'Oath of Allegiance'. Cf. George.

Classification: 
Department: