Amsterdam, Shanks Leggs servant shaving him

description below

A scene in a bedroom, the bed in a niche behind a curtain, one man sits as he is being shaved by his servant, as a companion stands with his arms crossed. To their left is an open trunk with slippers and boots on the ground on the far left. A fourth man stands apart arrange his queue(?), two pistols on the floor to his right beside an open duffel bag. On the right wall hangs a portrait of Emperor Joseph above a large fireplace; on the left wall hangs a portrait of a woman in profile

  • Title: Amsterdam, Shanks Leggs servant shaving him 
  • Creator: Nixon, John, -1818, artist
  • Published: Amsterdam, approximately 1790

Catalog Record

Drawings N736 no.12

Acquired September 2024

New bauble’s for the Chinese temple we are but children of a larger growth

description below

Caricature of the British Prime Minister presenting crowns to King George IV in the Brighton Pavilion, surrounded by Chinese objects and figures. The King is seen from behind, brandishing a scepter and sovereign’s orb

  • Title: New bauble’s for the Chinese temple we are but children of a larger growth.
  • Creator: Heath, William, 1795-1840
  • Published: London, 30 March 1820

Catalog Record

820.03.30.07+

Acquired July 2024

Harm watch, harm catch, or, The commissioners….

description below

In this anti-Jacobin, pro-Girondist print, seven prisoners, in various postures of distress and exclamation are seated on stools in a prison cell. Each one wears a feathered Liberty cap and each is tied to the cell wall by a rope around his neck. The cell is bare save a circular grated window in its top left corner. Speech bubbles hover above each prisoner reading: “Oh Damn it! Is this proper treatment for the Commissioners of a great nation?”, “Oh curse him this false Dumourier.”, “He has finaly trapt us”, “no hole to creep out at”, “Now I feel for the poor prisoners in the Temple”, “It’s all up. With us”, “Oh I could beat my brains out for making the motion that as brought us like asses to it”. The print alludes to the arrest of Charles Dumouriez who despite having played a key role in the victory of the Battle of Valmy in 1972 suffered a significant defeat in the Battle of Neerwinden (March 1793) at the hands of the Austrians which fuelled suspicion amongst the Jacobins of his loyalties. Believing that Dumouriez harboured royalist sympathies several commissioners representing the National Convention were sent to investigate him. Instead of cooperating with the investigation, Dumouriez turned against the deputies and the Minister of War (Pierre Riel de Beurnonville), arresting the commissioners and handing them over to the Austrian forces

  • Title: Harm watch, harm catch, or, The commissioners become hostages, or, The French vermin in the German trap
  • Creator: Aitken, James, active 1788-1802, printmaker.
  • Published: London, 1793

Catalog Record

793.00.00.180+

Acquired November 2024

“What ever is, is right. Pope!

description below

“A scene in the House of Commons, showing the Ministerial benches, with the Speaker’s Chair and the Table partly cut off by the right margin. The Speaker (Manners Sutton) and one of the Clerks are just within the design. Castlereagh is speaking; he stands in profile to the right, hat in hand, with the Pope on his shoulders. The Pope holds crosier and keys, and wears an odd tiara. A demon crouches on his shoulders dressed as an acolyte, but displaying a cloven hoof; a mask with bland features (a device deriving from Gillray, cf. British Museum Satires No. 11384) is tied in front of his black horned head; he holds up a lighted candle, and clutches the Pope’s hair. Castlereagh, with a blandly disingenuous smile: “I have the authority of the Head of the Catholic Church, for saying that there is no solidity in the objection taken on the other side: thus I am legislating with the Pope at my back!!!” The benches behind Castlereagh are crowded; the members listening intently; all wear hats, except Peel who sits immediately behind Castlereagh’s empty seat, on the corner of which he has put a hat, inscribed ‘Peel’. He looks up to say: “I hope that when the noble Lord observed that [he was legislating with the Pope at his back] he had no allusion to me, even if the noble Lord were willing to put the Popedom in Commission, I should not be willing to accept the office of one of the Commissioners.” Men look down from the gallery. On the floor is a paper: ‘St Steevens March 28 1821’.”–British Museum online catalogue

  • Title: “What ever is, is right. Pope! A weighty argument in favour of the Catholic Emancipation 
  • Creator: Cruikshank, Robert, 1789-1856, printmaker
  • Published: London, April 1821

Catalog Record

821.04.00.03+

Acquired October 2024

Toujours à l’anglaise

description below

A couple thrust clothing toward their fashionably-dressed daughter who is disgusted at the detestable design of the English clothing.

  • Title: Toujours à l’anglaise, et pourquoi pas à la française
  • Published: Paris, between 1815 and 1820?

Catalog Record

815.00.00.21+

Acquired November 2024

Russian condescension

description below

“The Tsar and his sister walking arm-in-arm are stopped by a coarse-looking woman (right) who flings her arms round his neck and kisses him avidly, while a yokel (left) takes the hand of the Grand Duchess. The woman exclaims to a fat friend (right), who watches with a broad grin: “There Sal, I can boast of what none of the Bitches of Billinsgate can, having kissed the Kings Emperor of all the Russian Bears, & he is the sweetest modestest mildest Gentleman I ever Kissed in all my life.” The countryman wears a short smock with breeches and wrinkled gaiters, and has the coarse carbuncled features of a John Bull in these prints. He says, grinning: “Dang it when I goes back & tells The folks in our Village of this, Law how they will envy I, ha ha!” The Tsar and his sister smile amiably. Behind (left), another woman runs after a bearded Cossack eager to kiss him. There is a landscape background, probably indicating Hyde Park, cf. British Museum Satires No. 12285.”–British Museum online catalogue.

  • Printmaker: Cruikshank, George, 1792-1878, printmaker.
  • Title: Russian condescension, or, The blessings of universal peace [graphic] / G. Ck. fect.
  • Publication: [London] : Pubd. July 11th, 1814, by S.W. Fores, Piccadilly, [11 July 1814]

Catalog Record

814.07.11.01+

Acquired June 2024

Ministerial races

description below

“Five horses with human heads, ridden by jockeys, race for the half-open door of the Treasury (left), across a wide cobbled pavement. The Regent and Lady Hertford with Lord Hertford standing behind holding his Lord Chamberlain’s wand, stand on the pavement (left) watching the finish. The winning horse, Liverpool, is a piebald, with an earl’s coronet round his neck, and branded ‘H’. Next is Wellesley, a marquis’s coronet round his neck, ridden by a jockey in oriental dress with a jewelled turban, who looks over his shoulder, saying: “Come Grey push on you’ll let Pye Ball win else.” Next is Moira, a blue ribbon round his neck representing the Garter granted on 12 June (which he had refused on 28 Feb., see ‘Corr. of George IV’, i. 29, 34-5), close behind is Grey; last is Grenville. Lady Hertford, as umpire, exclaims: “Bravo Pye Ball you have fairly won.” Lord Hertford cries: “Huzza Pye Ball for ever.” The Regent turns to a stout John Bull, to say: “Come Johny out with your Cash your favorite has lost you see.” John puts out a protesting hand, saying, “No No D–e if I do! I’m off, why its a proper cross and Jostle I d’ont like the Umpire neither.” John wears a top-hat and top-boots, his pockets bulge with money-bags, and he holds a cudgel. In the roadway is a cob or pony with the face of Sheridan, branded ‘P R’, ridden by the stout Yarmouth, from whose pocket projects a paper: ‘The Milling Hero a Poem’, see No. 11746, &c.; he is too large for his mount, and says: “Softly! Softly! poor Old Sherry, Oh my poor bones are in danger!” The animal kicks, saying: “It’s a d–d dirty Job to carry such a — but as I carried your Master [the Regent] through before you hold fast and I’ll take you to the end.” In the foreground (right) a man stands full-face, shouting; he holds a tall pole on which is a placard: ‘The Treasury Sweepstakes for high-bred Hunters 4 Heats The M-ch-ss of H–s Pyebald Colt Liverpool ——- 1, dr, dr, 1 Iohn Bulls favorite ch. f. Moira ——-dr, 2, 1, 3 The Fox Clubs b. f —-Grey —-4, 3, 2, dr The East-India Company’s Oriental filly Wellesly 3, 1, 3, 2 The well known Pit [Pitt] bred horse Grenville 2, 4, 4, 4 This match was very hardly contested, the Jockey Club decided that the first heat was unfairly won, and the last it is supposed will be subject to a similar decree; but the P– R– to whom the decision of the Club was referrd overruled the first objection. Bets at starting 2 to 1 on Moira; and at the commencement of the third heat 2 to 1 on Moira against the field Same Day The Exchequer plate for Colts half bred The Earl of Liverpool’s black Colt Vansittart 1, 3, 3, 1 Marquis of Wellesleys gr C. Grant 3, 1, 2, 3 Earl Moirds ch. G Huchisson 2, 2, 1, 2 This Race like the preceeding one has excited much difference of opinion amongst the members of the Club. N.B A match will be made before the Club breaks up between the R–s old Hack and any Noted Horse that may be chosen to start against him, the Hack will carry double and any bet staked on his winning Mac Sycophant [McMahon] Secty.’ Beside this notice are betting men. Three say: “How pye Ball dashes in, he has jockey’d them there he goes!”; “Da–me Johny seems in a Passion”; “Aye he ‘s [word scored through] Humbugg’d! The other spectators: Why the knowing ones are taken in”; “dish’d by Jupiter” [the Prince], and, “I rather think they are dish’d by Juno, she seems to be umpire.” In the background are other spectators, on foot, on horseback, and in a coach.”–British Museum online catalogue.

  • Printmaker: Williams, Charles, active 1797-1830, printmaker.
  • Title: Ministerial races [graphic].
  • Publication: [London] : Pubd. July 1st, 1812, for the proprietors of Town talk, [1 July 1812]

Catalog Record

812.07.01.01+

Acquired June 2024

Brandenburgh House theatricals

description below

“The Queen (right) and Mrs. Wood, a stout virago and a lean one, fight, clutching each other’s hair. The Queen’s large feathered hat is on the floor. A curtain is draped on a pillar (right), and from behind a curtain on the left, Alderman Wood, wearing his furred gown, watches the fray, drooping apprehensively; he says: “He Jests at Scars who never felt a wound!” Mrs. Wood: “I’ll teach you to play at Bergami with my Husband indeed–no–no I’ve read Jane Shore, & knows how things goes on in Courts, & Palace’s, in Como’s [cf. British Museum Satires No. 13857], Virgin’s Waters, Cottages, Pavilions, Yachts, & such like. An Honest Citizen has no business in such bad place’s & I’ll Tear your Eyes out before you shall make a Bergami of him.” The Queen shrieks: “Avaunt ye Termagant I’ll stop the Tongue of Slander & Level to the Dust, the proudest Foe that dares suspect my Chastity I’d tear you limb from [sic] tho you be made of Wood.” Behind, on a small chimney-piece, is a bust, perhaps that of Lady Craven.”–British Museum online catalogue.

  • Printmaker: Heath, William, 1795-1840, printmaker.
  • Title: Brandenburgh House theatricals [graphic] : a wood scene in a new farce now performing with the greatest eclat at the Hammersmith Theatre.
  • Publication: [London] : Pub. Sep. 20, 1820, by S.W. Fores, 41 Picadill [sic], [20 September 1820]

Catalog Record

820.09.20.01+

Acquired June 2024

Who’s afraid, or, The effects of an invasion!!

description below

“Twelve standing figures arranged in two rows, their words etched above their heads. [1] A fat and prosperous citizen smoking a long pipe, smoke puffing from the corners of his mouth and his nostrils: ‘I will be bound – with a dozen of our Club and a proper allowance of fire, and the best Virginia, to smoke the French Mounseers from Dover to Calais, in the turning of a Tobacco stopper, who’s afraid?’ (cf. British Museum Satires No. 8220). The others, who make similar boasts of their ability to resist an invasion are: [2] A shambling journeyman tailor who speaks in the name of ‘all united Taylors’. [3] A ragged cobbler, knock-kneed to deformity, who is also a preacher, cf. British Museum Satires No. 8026. [4] A ‘Loyal Gypsy’ with an (unnecessary) wooden leg. [5] A young woman (? Mrs. Concannon) as one of the ‘Host of Faro, prepared to batter the enemy, with the remnants of our Reputations!’ [6] A badly maimed officer, on stumps, with amputated right arm. [7] A doctor prepared to use his ‘patent pills’ on the enemy. [8] A Billingsgate virago. [9] A yokel: ‘they had better keep away from our village . . . for I believe in my heart, the very Turkies would rise in a mass against them, who’s afraid.’ [10] A foppish apprentice: ‘I am a tight dashing fresh water Sailor; – keep a funny row to Putney every Sunday – let me catch them above Bridge – thats all. who’s afraid.’ [11] An attorney prepared to present his bill to the enemy. [12] A stout man wearing a hat stands in back view, legs astride, coat-tails raised as if with his back to the fire: ‘Lets teach em good manners D——mme who’s afraid?’.”–British Museum online catalogue.

  • Printmaker: Cruikshank, Isaac, 1764-1811, printmaker.
  • Title: Who’s afraid, or, The effects of an invasion!! [graphic] / Woodward del.
  • Publication: [London] : Pub. Nov 21, 1796, by S.W. Fores, No. 50 Piccadilly corner of Sackville Street, [21 November 1790]

Catalog Record

790.11.21.01+

Acquired June 2024

Don Quixote, comander

description below

“Perceval, as Don Quixote, stands in front of the Treasury, giving his orders for the forthcoming session. Facing him, Ministerial members (right) stand at attention, clasping rolled documents, all inscribed ‘Ministerial Military Exercise Aye & No’, as if they were muskets; one is in Highland dress. A further phalanx in the background is on Perceval’s left. He wears armour, with Mambrino’s helmet (the barber’s basin) and holds erect a tilting-lance, which serves as staff for the Royal Standard. His left hand, holding a ‘Muster Roll’, rests on his hip. Behind him, pen in hand, and with a pen behind the ear, the two Treasury Secretaries stand stiffly, each with a large book, one ‘Names of Staunch Men’, the other ‘Names of Deserters’. On the extreme left and in the foreground George Rose stoops over a large ‘Military Chest’, filled with bank-notes, which he holds out towards the Ministerial troops. On the ground beside him lies a rose labelled ‘A Rose in January’. Behind him, lurking in a gateway, is Melville, in Highland dress, with two similarly clad Scots peering over his shoulder. He says: “An Ye should want a set of braw fellows fit for ony service, I ha them here ready for ye”. On Perceval’s left is a mounted officer (Montrose) holding a paper inscribed ‘Treaty for an Armistice for 14 days if Necessary’. Beside him is a mounted trumpeter. Perceval says: “Now my Lads lets see if you are perfect in your Exercise!!! You will stick close right or wrong”. All answer “Aye. Nor refuse a good place when it is offered”. All answer “No. Of course all I say is truth”. All answer “Aye, Nor you wont let the Enemy Contradit me”. All answer “No”. Perceval: “That will do very well and my Aid de Camps shall register you accordingly remember there is something good at the bottom of the Ches [sic]”. …”–British Museum online catalogue.

  • Printmaker: Williams, Charles, active 1797-1830, printmaker.
  • Title: Don Quixote, comander [sic] in chief, reviewing his troops previous to the campain [sic] [graphic].
  • Publication: [London] : Pubd. Jany. 1810 by Walker, 7 Cornhill, [January 1810]

Catalog Record

810.01.00.02

Acquired June 2024