c1782 English Georgian Satirical Hand Coloured Etching. ECCE!



Frontispiece from 'Beauties of Administration, a Poem . . .' Depicts a group of half-length figures in an oval. George III (left), looking to the left, and downwards, with a melancholy expression, supporting his head on his right hand, in which is a handkerchief. Lord North, in profile to the left, with an expression of great distress, tries to comfort him; his right arm is over the king's shoulders, handing him a paper, "Fresh Supplies"; his left hand holds that of the king. Over the king's head flies an evil spirit, a hag with serpents in her hair and bat's wings; she is 'Corruption', and is removing the crown from his head. Immediately behind the king, and looking upwards over the king's shoulder with an expression of malign pleasure, is a head wearing a Scots cap. The verses show that this is Bute though it has no resemblance to him. Lord Amherst looks smiling over North's shoulder. Behind North (right) is Lord George Germain (Sackville), who turns round frowning towards Sandwich, who leans on his shoulder with a smile. Above and behind Germain and Sandwich three men (right) look down towards the king with sinister smiles, they are (left to right) Bathurst (in profile), the Duke of Grafton, and Rigby (in profile). Behind their heads is a curtain. Around the image the title is engraved, "Mollia cum Duris, Sine pondere habentia pondus." 1 October 1782. Some of the title is faded / missing.


The page measures 20cms square & is missing print bottom left hand corner and part of the title is faded. Page has been lightly hinged to white acid free card backing. Will be posted flat to avoid damage.

Local Brisbane pick-up welcomed. Always happy to combine postage where possible & practical. HNCO are not responsible for import duties or customs charges. This is the buyers / importers responsibility.