A visit to the Irish pig!!. With reflections physical & moral, Isaac Cruikshank, 1799

George iii stoops to inspect through a glass a gigantic pig standing in a stable, but facing the king, and projecting beyond the partition of his stall. Behind the king (left) stands a courtier in light horse regimentals, but wearing a gold key which indicates the lord chamberlain (salisbury). He holds up a lantern, saying: "that pig is the tallest fittest properest pig to stand before the k the most wonderful i ever had the honor to shew - it is arrived from ireland - truly worthy the inspection of the curious, an amazing animal!" the king answers "true - true - very fat ireland! - hae? hae? - hope he did not eat any of the rebels! - shant like the pork if he has - stick to fetter lane - clean and wholesome that - pretty sausages - hae - hae - what does he say?!! talks french hae? hae. " the pig, whose snout is close to the king's face, says "we - we - we - ". Beneath it is inscribed 'this pig measures 5 feet high & 10 feet long. ' 7 january 1799 hand-coloured etching. Date: 1799. Dimensions: Height: 273 mm; Width: 385 mm. Medium: paper. Depicted People: George III, King of the United Kingdom. Collection: British Museum. A visit to the Irish pig!!. With reflections physical & moral (BM 1868,0808.6812)