King George III sits on his throne asleep while the new ministry, helped by devils, drives out the king's old advisers. Etching by J. Gillray, 1782.

  • Gillray, James, 1756-1815.
Date:
April 2 1783
Reference:
585051i
  • Pictures

About this work

Description

George III holds a book inscribed 'Pinchee on snuffers', an allusion to the supposed 'king's friend', Christopher Pinchbeck who was 'buckle and knick-knack maker to the King' (DNB). His new administration is represented by Charles James Fox (centre, with the devil and Lord North) who was foreign secretary. The old administration represented by the Earl of Bute (wearing plaid), Lord Mansfield and Lord Sackville are driven out of power, and in this print, into hellfire through the door labelled 'Pandaemonium'. A framed picture of the judgment of Solomon, described on the frame as 'Wisdom of Solomon', hangs on the wall near the king's throne, representing the source of the lettering "Take the wicked from before the King, & his throne shall be establish'd in righteousness", in the proverbs attributed to King Solomon (Bible, O.T. Proverbs 25.5)

Publication/Creation

[London] : Published by W. Humphrey, April 2 1783.

Physical description

1 print : etching ; platemark 25.2 x 35.7 cm

Contributors

Lettering

A warm birth for the old administration. Take the wicked from before the King, & his throne shall be establish'd in righteousness "Warm birth": meaning warm berth, i.e. hell fire. Berth, meaning a ship's anchorage or "a situation, a place, an appointment" was often spelled birth at the time (OED)

Reference

Wellcome Collection 585051i

Type/Technique

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Where to find it

  • LocationStatusAccess
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