A man about to be executed in publc receives a pardon at the last minute; representing a work of art which has a striking composition but is not finished in detail. Soft ground etching after Henry Alken.

The condemned man raises his hands in prayer before his confessors. The executioner stands by wearing a hooded mask. The crowd jostles as a messenger rushes in bearing a document inscribed "Pardon from the King"

In the impression catalogued (Wellcome Library no. 31590i), the colouring is unfinished, making the item an exemplum sui

London (26 Haymarket) : Thos. McLean, Repository of Wit & Humour, 1824.

1 print : soft ground etching, with watercolour ; image 12.7 x 20.5 cm

A touch at the fine arts. A surprising effect, but no execution. Hy. Alken delt.

Wellcome Collection 31590i