An episode in Paradise Lost featuring William Pitt as Death and Lord Thurlow as Satan, separated by the Queen, who attempts to protect Pitt. Etching by J. Gillray, 1830.

  • Gillray, James, 1756-1815.
Date:
[1830]
Reference:
585517i
  • Pictures

About this work

Description

William Pitt as Death wears the King's crown and uses a long sceptre as a weapon. He stands in battle before Lord Thurlow as Satan. Between them kneels the Queen, who attempts to protect Pitt. On the struggle between Pitt the younger and Thurlow, the Chancellor who lost his office as a result of Pitt's influence with the Queen. The savage attack on the Queen who is portrayed as a half-serpent, devilish hag with withered breasts was unusual for a Royal and caused great offence at court

Publication/Creation

[London] : [Thomas McLean], [1830]

Physical description

1 print : etching ; image 15.3 x 19.6 cm

Lettering

Sin, death and the devil, vide Milton

References note

British Museum, Catalogue of political and personal satires, vol. vi., London 1978, no. 8105

Reference

Wellcome Collection 585517i

Type/Technique

Languages

Where to find it

  • LocationStatusAccess
    Closed stores

Permanent link