The Dutch divisions., James Gillray, 1787

One of the same series as bmsat 7214. Four monarchs divide between them a map of the territories of the dutch republic, all saying, "let us support the poor dutch!" in the background (left) the 'stadt house' falls in ruins, and on a small rock in the sea inscribed 'texel' a fat dutchman in back view, looking out to sea, says, "now, i am an absolute monarch"; the words ascend in the smoke of his pipe. He holds a sword and is surrounded by cackling geese. All four sovereigns hold the map, and all shed tears: george iii (right) tugs at it with both hands, tearing off a piece inscribed 'good hope', 'java', 'saba', 'eustatia', 'curac', 'bonaire' (?), 'coruba', 'st martins', 'surinam'. Frederick william of prussia (left), seated on the ground, wearing a fool's cap decorated with the skull and cross-bones of the death's head hussars, uses a dagger to cut off a piece containing 'friesland', 'groningen', 'overyisel', and 'ceylon'. The emperor joseph, standing opposite frederick william, slices the map with a large sword, securing 'utrecht', 'zalper' (?), 'holland', 'molucca islands'. Between joseph and george iii louis xvi, dressed as a french fop, uses a pair of shears to cut off 'guelderland', 'zeeland', 'rotterda[m]', and 'hague'. 23 june 1787 etching. Date: 1787. Dimensions: Height: 150 mm; Width: 225 mm. Medium: paper. Depicted People: Frederick William II, King of Prussia. Collection: British Museum. The Dutch divisions. (BM 1868,0808.5653)