[n.d., c.1801.]
Rare etching. Sheet 320 x 410mm (12½ x 16"). Trimmed within plate, repaired tear entering printed border at top.
George III hits Pitt on his shoulder with his sceptre and kicks him in the backside, causing the crown to topple from his head. The king sits at a table, on which is a paper he is signing, supposedly the Treaty of Amiens. A French satire making political capital by misrepresenting Pitt's leaving office as being sacked by George for opposing any peace negotiations with France, rather than him resigning for failing to achieve Catholic Emancipation. Pitt resigned on February 16th, 1801, during an episode of the king's madness; a preliminary agreement was signed in London on September 30th; the full Treaty of Amiens was signed at 3 a.m. on March 25th, 1802. George (BM Satire 9780) posits a publication date of May 1802; however the BM website states that 1801, during the negotiations, is more likely.
BM Satires 9870.
[Ref: 59166] £280.00
Rare etching. Sheet 320 x 410mm (12½ x 16"). Trimmed within plate, repaired tear entering printed border at top.
George III hits Pitt on his shoulder with his sceptre and kicks him in the backside, causing the crown to topple from his head. The king sits at a table, on which is a paper he is signing, supposedly the Treaty of Amiens. A French satire making political capital by misrepresenting Pitt's leaving office as being sacked by George for opposing any peace negotiations with France, rather than him resigning for failing to achieve Catholic Emancipation. Pitt resigned on February 16th, 1801, during an episode of the king's madness; a preliminary agreement was signed in London on September 30th; the full Treaty of Amiens was signed at 3 a.m. on March 25th, 1802. George (BM Satire 9780) posits a publication date of May 1802; however the BM website states that 1801, during the negotiations, is more likely.
BM Satires 9870.
[Ref: 59166] £280.00