Ladies and gentlemen at Bath brawling over the election of the Master of ceremonies. Engraving, 1769.

Date:
1769
Reference:
28569i
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Previous title, replaced June 2023 : A crowd of men and women are brawling, some have fallen off the benches onto the floor. Etching.

Description

Described thus by F.G. Stephens and Edward Hawkins in the British Museum catalogue, loc. cit.: "An engraving representing a scuffle between ladies and gentkmen said to have occurred on the occasion of the election, April 11, 1769, of a Master of the Ceremonies at Bath. The post was vacant on the death of S. Derrick, March 28, 176 … Some of the persons have been thrown on the floor and are trampled on; two gentlemen contend, shaking each other, one of whom, by the clyster pipe he wields, appears to be an apothecary; a lawyer standing near these antagonists laughs at the scene; one lady belabours another on the floor, the hair of each has fallen in the struggle. A damsel, struck by a stalwart. lady, tolls over a prostrate gentleman, who exclaims :—"I had rather be uppermost". A lady screams :—"I had rather lose my chastity than my election." A physician, dashing his fist at the face of a gaunt military officer, declares "He shall be king, or I'Il poison ye all." A lady cries :—'The Major pleases me best, he shall be the man." One virago, knocking down the before-named damsel, shouts :—"D--nation seize your Ladyship, I'll knock your eyes out." Another, losing her balance, and falling backwards, cries "Are we in Bath or Billingsgate." In the background a cornuted old gentleman supports his wife, who faints, or pretends to faint, and holds to her nose a smelling-bottle; she is affectionately supported by a young gentleman."

Publication/Creation

[London]

Physical description

1 print : engraving, with etching

Lettering

Female intrepidity, or the battle of the belles on ye election of a King of Bath.

References note

British Museum, Catalogue of political and personal satires, London 1870-1954, vol. IV, pp. 520-521, no. 4283

Reference

Wellcome Collection 28569i

Type/Technique

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