The New Speaker (i.e.:-the Law Chick,)between the Hawks & Buzzards., James Gillray, 1800

Michael angelo taylor, wearing the speaker's gown, about to step up to the empty speaker's chair, staggers back in alarm, the long wig falling from his head. From nozzles at the ends of twisting tubes directed against him from both sides issue jets inscribed 'hiss'. A phalanx of hawks on the government benches threatens him from the left, while on right and nearer bench three buzzards do the same from the opposition side. The nearest bird has the bloated and inflamed features of sheridan. Below the title: 'poor little michee! - just mounting! - & then funk'd & frighten'd out of all his hopes". ' 15 february 1800 hand-coloured etching. Date: 1800. Dimensions: Height: 346 mm; Width: 245 mm. Medium: paper. Depicted People: Richard Brinsley Sheridan. Collection: British Museum. The New Speaker (i.e.-the Law Chick,)between the Hawks & Buzzards. (BM 1868,0808.6856)