The english mission advances humbly from the left, led by malmesbury, who bows low before three of the directors, who are seated haughtily on a dais (right). Behind them is a canopy on the back of which is a picture of hercules trying in vain to break a bundle of rods; this is enclosed in a motto: 'les francais unis sont invincibles'. They wear an approximation to the official costume of the directors (designed by david, see bmsat 9199): long cloaks with deep collars and feathered hats, but which deviates from correctness by its greater resemblance to that of a spanish don: they wear ruffs over their collars, and breeches instead of the long-belted tunic and sash. The central director says, with a scowl, "now you have made your bow retire till we order you in again va-t-en"; he takes a pinch of snuff from his neighbour's box. The other two echo 'va-t-en va-t-en'; one (left) contemptuously uses a toothpick, the other (right) takes snuff. From malmesbury's pocket hangs a paper inscribed 'finesse'. His suite hold banners and all bend low except a man just behind him who carries on his head heavy bales, resembling folded textiles, but inscribed: 'a clear & explicit explanation of an intended negotiation to procure an hon[or]able just & permanent peace according to existing circumstances'. A sailor on the extreme left, erect behind the bowing diplomats, shouts "aye, aye, as clear as mud". He stands in the doorway, which is inscribed 'directory'. The eight banners are respectively inscribed: '60,000 foot militia'; '200,000 fencibles'; '60,000 additional seamen'; '40000 horse 100,000 yeomanry cavalry'; 'navy victualling exchequer bills funded'; '50 000 game keepers for rifle men'; 'another loan of 40. 000. 000'; 'fortifications all round the coast'. Malmesbury and five of his followers wear ribbons. 29 october 1796. Hand-coloured etching. Date: 1796. Dimensions: Height: 310 mm; Width: 429 mm. Medium: paper. Depicted People: Paul François Jean Nicolas, Vicomte de Barras. Collection: British Museum. The messenger of peace. (BM 1851,0901.828)
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