King William IV dressed as a sailor dances in the centre of a semicircle of ministers who have black bodies and are partially draped. Coloured etching by W. Heath, 1830.

  • Heath, William, 1795-1840.
Date:
19 July 1830
Reference:
608213i
  • Pictures

About this work

Description

Among the ministers are Peel and Scarlett on the left, Lyndhurst and Wellington on the right both of whom wear nose-rings. Scarlett encircles Ellenborough, who, with Sugden, is behind the King. Their tribal dance celebration alludes to the relief that the ministers must have felt to be able to retain their positions with the new reign. William IV was a popular King and a stark contrast to George IV and was liable to wild bursts of passion as is suggested here. He and the Duke of Wellington (then prime minister) got on very well, hence the retainment of his ministers. He is dressed in sailor garb in reference to his years in the navy. The tribal dress of the ministers refers to the far-flung shores that William visited

Publication/Creation

London (26 Haymarket) : T. McLean, 19 July 1830.

Physical description

1 print : etching with watercolour ; platemark 25.6 x 36.4 cm

Lettering

All among the hottentots - capering a shore. W. Heath

References note

British Museum, Catalogue of political and personal satires, vol. XI, London 1954, no. 16171

Reference

Wellcome Collection 608213i

Type/Technique

Languages

Where to find it

  • LocationStatusAccess
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