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High Spirits

An exploration of 100 works by the sharp-eyed, English caricaturist Thomas Rowlandson.

THOMAS ROWLANDSON (1757-1827)

A Peep into Friar Bacon's Study.

3 Mar 1784

Hand-coloured etching | 24.5 x 33.8 cm (sheet of paper) (sheet of paper) | RCIN 810038

A hand-coloured print of George III dressed as the friar Roger Bacon. In the centre is the brazen head constructed by Bacon to predict the means of protecting England from invasion. The head is commentating on the relationship between the Crown and Parliament which is represented by three roundels. The King waves sticks to alter the balance of power to favour the monarchy. On the right, the King's supporters descend the backstairs, led by a devil. On the left, behind the King and standing in a doorway are Fox, North and Burke, warning 'Beware'. Inscribed in the plate: Pubd March 3d 1784 by W. Humphrey No 227, Strand
  • Bibliographic reference(s)

    BM Satires 6436 (BM Satires : Catalogue of political and personal satires preserved in the Department of Prints and Drawings in the British Museum ... 11 v. in 12.)


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