Vices overlook'd in the new proclamation

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James Gillray
1756-1815
Vices overlook'd in the new proclamation
etching, hand-colored
image: 243 x 335 mm; plate: 248 x 348 mm; sheet: 272 x 373 mm
Purchased by J. Pierpont Morgan, 1900.
Peel 2780
Published: 
[London] : Pubd. May 24th. 1792, by H. Humphrey N. 18, Old Bond Street, [1792]
Provenance: 
Formerly owned by Sir Robert Peel.
Notes: 

By James Gillray.
A satire on the Royal Proclamation of 21 May, 1792, 'for the preventing of tumultuous meetings and seditious writings'.
Below caption title: To the Commons of Great Britain, this representation of Vices, which remain unforbidden by Proclamation, is dedicated, as proper for imitation, and in place of the more dangerous ones of Thinking, Speaking & Writing, now forbidden by Authority.

Summary: 

Print is a design in four compartments labelled Avarice, Drunkeness, Gambling, and Debauchery. Avarice is represented by the King and Queen, shown facing each other across a round table, hugging large moneybags. Drunkenness shows an inebriated Prince of Wales being taken home by two watchmen. Gambling shows a crowd around a circular gaming-table. The Duke of York raises a dice-box, next him is a military officer wearing a gorget. On the other side (left) sits a ruffianly-looking fellow wearing a slouch hat and coachman's coat. Behind is a man with a croupier's rake. Debauchery is represented by the Duke of Clarence and Mrs. Jordan shown together on a settee. On the wall is the print of a chamber-pot inscribed 'A Jordan'.

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