A colossal William Pitt hovers over the city of London mounted on stilts labelled 'sedition' and 'pension', while leaning on a crutch marked 'popularity' that rests on the Royal Exchange, with a view of New York to the left. Etching, with etched verse within the plate, 1766.
- Date:
- 1766
- Reference:
- 505530i
- Pictures
About this work
Description
On the recent political conduct of William Pitt the elder regarding his repeal of the stamp act on March 18 1766 which led to accusations that he had given birth to sedition in America. Despite suffering gout and frequent absences from the House of Commons, Pitt took the office of Lord Privy Seal on 30 July 1766, and became Earl of Chatham on 4 August. A view of an island labelled 'Dublin' exists in the centre of the image with a figure proclaiming 'independence'
Publication/Creation
[London] (the Bee Hive near St Martins Lane, Strand) : T. Ewart, 1766.
Physical description
1 print : etching ; platemark 17.5 x 22.5 cm
Lettering
Common-wealth. The Colossus.
Within the print is the following verse: 'Tell to me if you are witty...Tis a pit for them, who now are bit sir doodle noodle do'; The various buildings and political issues are labelled within the image; below the image is engraved 'Sing tantarera puff all puff all sing tantarereare all puff'
References note
British Museum, Catalogue of political and personal satires, Vol. IV, London 1978, no. 4162
Reference
Wellcome Collection 505530i
Type/Technique
Languages
Where to find it
Location Status Access Closed stores