Public credit is depicted as a vigorous young gentleman, nobly-dressed in a Senator’s gown, holding a merchant’s account book whose cover is printed with the motto “solutus omni faenore” signifying true credit free from interest. The griffin below signifies safe custody. In the background figures representing Popery, Rebellion, and Slander, all of which seem to threaten Publick Credit are thwarted as is the fox, an emblem of cunning and deceit. Both the text below describing the image and the image above are enclosed in two separate scroll-formed frames; in the center of the scroll at the top is a mask and a dagger. Probably a response to Robert Walpole’s Some considerations concerning the publick funds.

• Artist: Bickham, George, 1706?-1771.
• Title: Publick credit [graphic] / G. Bickham invt. et sculp.
• Published: [London : G. Bickham], May’s Buildings, Covent Garden, October [ the] 18, 1745.

Catalog Record & Digital Collection

Acquired October 2011.