William Pitt the younger stands in the House of Commons facing the opposition benches, who are in corked and labelled bottles, as he uncorks a bottle containing the bloated and scowling face of Sheridan. Etching by J. Gillray.
- Gillray, James, 1756-1815.
- Date:
- [1830]
- Reference:
- 585508i
- Pictures
About this work
Description
On Sheridan's rambling speech for the repeal of Pitt's additional forces bill on 6 March 1805. Pitt neatly disposed of many of Sheridan's allegations and inconsistencies. Among the opposition in bottles are: Tierney ('a glass of all sorts'), Fox ('True French wine'), Windham ('Brandy and water'), Grey ('Goosberry Wine'). On the bench behind sits Burdett ('Brentford Ale) and Erskine ('Spruce beer'). On the ground behind Pitt lies an open bottle of 'medicinal wine' spilling its contents and containing the head of Sidmouth with closed eyes
Publication/Creation
[London] : [Thomas McLean], [1830]
Physical description
1 print : etching ; image 18.5 x 15 cm
Contributors
Lettering
Uncorking old sherry
Lettering below: '-the honble gent tho' he does not very often address the house ... see Mr Pitt's speech on ye Gent Defence bill March 5th 1805'; the words 'bouncings, growlings ... fibs, fibs, fibs! egotism.' are emitted in the explosion of the cork from the bottle
References note
British Museum, Catalogue of political and personal satires, vol. viii, London 1947, no. 10375
Reference
Wellcome Collection 585508i
Type/Technique
Languages
Subjects
Where to find it
Location Status Access Closed stores