King George III and Queen Charlotte as the British lion and lioness ride in the state coach which is driven by the Earl of Bute and the Princess of Wales. Engraving, 1762.

Date:
April 2 1783
Reference:
585071i
  • Pictures

About this work

Description

The Princess of Wales half conceals beneath her petticoats the Earl of Bute who is dropping money along the route. She commands him to 'Drive away Sawny I'll keep a tight reign on them', a reference to one of the six horses which is ridden by Fox far right. Another Scotsman stands on the back of the carriage urging Bute to 'Dreve towards north my laird & keep clear of that d-d Pitt'. Pitt the elder and the Duke of Newcastle on horse-back try to stop the coach crying 'Ah poor Britannia I can only pit-y you'. The fat Duke of Cumberland falls on his back losing his hat and wig in the foreground as his horse (of Hanover) flees from him. Satire on the political power struggle between William Pitt and the Earl of Bute during the 1760's

Publication/Creation

[London] (the Royal Exchange) : Sold by W. Hannell, April 2 1783.

Physical description

1 print : engraving ; sheet 18.9 x 30.3 cm

Lettering

The laird of the boot, or needs must when the de'el drives. See the squire's old coach fill'd with proud Scottish thanes ... For the laddies gain ground, & besides smoak the boot

References note

Plate to: The public advertiser, 18 Aug 1762, p. 3, col. 3
Plate to: The St. James's Chronicle, Sept. 2-4 1762, p. 4, col. 4
British Museum, Catalogue of political and personal satires, vol. IV, London 1978, no. 3898

Reference

Wellcome Collection 585071i

Type/Technique

Languages

Where to find it

  • LocationStatusAccess
    Closed stores

Permanent link