Three noblemen dance round a tall thistle as the devil plays the bagpipes; representing Scottish influence on the British policy towards American independence. Engraving, 1775.

Date:
[1 March 1775]
Reference:
26649i
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Description

The thistle represents the Scottish Order of the Thistle. Dancing a Scottish reel round it are (left) the Earl of Bute; (centre) Frederick North, 2nd Earl of Guilford, holding a quizzing glass; and (right) William Murray, Lord chief justice and subsequently 1st Earl of Mansfield, holding the "Quebec Bill" (which had become the Quebec Act in June 1774)

Publication/Creation

[1 March 1775]

Physical description

1 print : engraving ; platemark 17.9 x 12 cm

Lettering

The thistle reel. Carduus benedictus. Honi soit qui mal y pense. Noli me tangere. Nemo me impune lacessit. Quebec Bill

References note

British Museum, Catalogue of political and personal satires, vol. 5, London, no. 5285

Reference

Wellcome Collection 26649i

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