Political candour, i.e. coalition resolutions of June 14th, 1805
Political candour, i.e. coalition resolutions of June 14th, 1805
Item Information
Title:
Political candour, i.e. coalition resolutions of June 14th, 1805
Description:
Fox makes a speech in the House of Commons; a large section of the crowded Opposition benches is shown (r.). Pitt sits alone on the Treasury Bench, his profile only appearing on the extreme left. The rest of the Ministerial benches are cut off by the margin. Behind him is the Speaker's Chair, with the tiny head of Abbot surrounded by a vast wig, appearing just over the table. From the table hangs a scroll. Fox, corpulent, neat, and composed, stands with his right hand extended towards Pitt, his left behind his back and holding a paper. His words ascend and are enclosed in a large label in the upper part of the design. On his seat lies his hat; in this is a large bundle of papers. On the ground beside it lies a large overturned tankard whose contents froth over the floor. Long narrow labels ascend from other M.P.s. Pitt touches with his finger the vacant place beside him, inviting Fox to take it. Next Fox's hat and on the extreme right sits Grey clutching his cocked hat with papers. Next, partly concealed by Fox, slouches Sheridan; he is silent (opposed to any praise of Pitt, especially from Fox). Next sits Tierney, hands on knees. Next sits Lord Henry Petty, hands folded, feet together. On the second bench, Windham sits behind Fox's empty seat, biting a pen. Next, little Wilberforce claps tiny hands. Beside him is Erskine. The other members are freely drawn and scarcely characterized, though Walpole (behind Windham) is identified by his small size, sharp nose, cocked hat, and regimentals. Next him is a stout man in spectacles resembling Lord Temple. Heads look down from the gallery in the upper-right corner of the design (BM).
Title from item.
BM Satires 10414; Wright/Evans 305
Additional information accompanying item: From the 1824 Gillray collection of copies, etched and published by John Miller and W. Blackwood.
Notes (acquisition):
Gift; Louis Black; December 1953
Notes (date):
Date from Wright/Evans.
Reproduction. Date indicated is Gillray's original publication date.
Notes (citation):
Stephens, Frederic George, George, Mary Dorothy. "Catalogue of Political and Personal Satires in the Department of Prints and Drawings in the British Museum." British Museum Press, 1870, London.
Wright, Thomas, R. H. Evans. "Historical and descriptive account of the caricatures of James Gillray." Benjamin Blom, 1968, New York.
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