A bull snorts angrily as it tosses a Spaniard in the air and is restrained by three men pulling its tail behind, a native American and a well-dressed French gentleman cower in fright to the right and a Dutchman sitting on a barrel of gin and smoking a pipe looks on in amusement. Coloured etching by James Gillray, 1780.

  • Gillray, James, 1756-1815.
Date:
Jan 4 1780
Reference:
585026i
  • Pictures

About this work

Description

The bull represents John Bull. On the capture of Omoa when the value of the prizes in the harbour was estimated at 3,000,000 dollars symbolised by the coins falling from the Spaniard's pockets. Lord Bute in highland dress tries to restrain the bull by the tail saying 'Luton, a-ho' (Luton Hoo was one of the estates owned by Bute). Lord North holds Bute's waist with the words 'Bushey Park, a Ho' (North lived at Bushe Park). Lord Mansfield in turn holds on to North saying 'Caen Wood a Ho' (Mansfield bought the Kenwood estate in Hampstead from Bute)

Publication/Creation

[London] (no. 227 Strand) : published by W. Humphrey, Jan 4 1780.

Physical description

1 print : etching ; image 22.3 x 33.9 cm

Lettering

John Bull triumphant Lettering beneath the image: 'The bull see enrag'd, has the spaniard engag'd ...still lug the poor beast by the tail'

References note

British Museum, Catalogue of political and personal satires, vol. v, London 1978, no. 5624

Reference

Wellcome Collection 585026i

Type/Technique

Languages

Where to find it

  • LocationStatusAccess
    Closed stores
    585026i.1
  • LocationStatusAccess
    Closed stores
    585026i.2

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