Mason, the Duke's Confectioner, disposing of the Trinkets .

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James Gillray
1756-1815
Mason, the Duke's Confectioner, disposing of the Trinkets .
Peel 3355
Published: 
[London] : Pubd. July 21st, 1788, by H. Humphrey, New Bond Street, [1788]
Provenance: 
Formerly owned by Sir Robert Peel.
Inscription: 

Published July 21, 1788 by H. Humphrey New Bond Street.

Notes: 

Attributed to James Gillray; cf. BM Satires.
Title from item.
"Price 1s."

Summary: 

A scene representing the hustings at the Westminster election. Fox (right) stealthily enters a door leading to the side of the hustings, carrying on his shoulder a sack from holes in which guineas and a Garter jewel are issuing. On the left, on the hustings, Townshend stands between two supporters, resting an elbow on the shoulder of each: one (left) is a chimney-sweep, waving his brush, his shovel is inscribed 'Townsend'; the other is a butcher, waving his hat. Behind, the profile heads of Burke (left) and Hanger (right) face each other. A crowd is indicated at the back of the hustings, and a large banner inscribed 'Noble Townsend' is conspicuous. In front of Townshend is a poll-clerk who offers a Testament to a Jew who stands outside the hustings about to take the 'bribery oath'. Over his shoulders hangs a pair of breeches, under his arm is a hat inscribed 'Townsend'. On the door through which Fox enters is a placard: 'Liberty & Property Secured'. Fox looks with a sly smile at Townshend and his supporters; from his pocket protrudes a document inscribed 'Ways & Means'. Cf. British Museum online catalogue.

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