Dead, positively dead

Image not available
Dead, positively dead
etching, hand colored
image: 234 x 343 mm; plate mark: 250 x 351 mm; sheet 262 x 375 mm
Purchased by J. Pierpont Morgan, 1900.
Peel 1623
Published: 
[London] : Pub Nov 16 1788 by SW Fores No. 3 Piccadilly, [1788]
Provenance: 
Formerly owned by Sir Robert Peel.
Notes: 

A satire on the secret negotiations between Thurlow and the Prince of Wales during the King's insanity.

Summary: 

Print shows Thurlow standing defiantly, putting on (turning) his coat, and saying, "This side will do as well as the Other"; beside him (left) is the Prince of Wales, a handkerchief to his face as if weeping, while he tramples on a paper reading, 'Prayer for Restoratn his Maj[esty's] Health'; words are etched on both side of his head: 'Make Haste', addressed to Sheridan (left), who hastens from the door, carrying on his shoulders a trunk inscribed 'Despatches for C. F-x', and (right) 'We must keep up Appearances'. On the right Mrs. Fitzherbert is enthroned under a canopy on a circular dais; a lady (left), wearing the Prince's feathers in her hair, puts on her head a crown, saying, "Hail beautious Queen", while another lady (right) holds the orb. They are labeled respectively 'Gloc' and 'Gum'. Cf. BM Satires.

Classification: 
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