The bridal night / Js. Gy. d. et fect.

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James Gillray
1756-1815
The bridal night / Js. Gy. d. et fect.
[London] : Pubd May 18th, 1797, by H Humphrey, 27 St James Street, [1797]
Bequest of Gordon N. Ray, 1987.
1986.426
Published: 
[London] : Pubd. May 18th, 1797, by H. Humphrey, 27 St. James Street, [1797]
Provenance: 
From the library of Gordon N. Ray.
Summary: 

Print shows the Prince of Würtemberg, grotesquely corpulent, conducting his bride towards the bridal chamber in a procession which is led by the King and Queen. Behind the Princess is a group of princes: the Prince of Wales, Prince William of Gloucester, the Duke of Clarence, and the Duke of York. These four heads are clever juxtapositions of variations on the family features. Behind them is the grotesque profile of the Stadholder with closed eyes. The sharp features of Lady Derby tower above the Stadholder. Next him is the Princess of Wales and two princesses hold up their sister's train. Salisbury, the Lord Chamberlain, standing stiffly with wand and key, holds open the door through which the King is about to pass. Pitt, on the outskirts of the procession, carries a sack inscribed '£80,000' (the amount of the Princess's dowry). On the wall is a large picture, inscribed 'Le Triomphe de l'Amour', of an elephant with a little cupid sitting on his neck blowing a trumpet.

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