A scene in carlton house. The prince of wales, seated in a chair, holds a stout, good-looking lady (mrs. Sawbridge) across his knees and chastises her with upraised hand; she holds out her arms imploringly. Alderman sawbridge (right) faces her in profile to the left, playing a fiddle and dancing; from his pocket hangs a piece of music inscribed 'the reform', a new motion. On the extreme left lady archer stands in profile to the right, holding a driving-whip, and pointing angrily at the injured lady. A little girl (sawbridge) stands full-face, clasping her hands in horror at the treatment of her mother. Behind are a number of onlookers: a very fat lady in profile to the left is miss vanneck. Mrs. Fitzherbert watches, not displeased; fox, his arm round her shoulder, gazes amorously at her. George hanger stands in profile to the left. The other figures are less characterized but a profile head (right) resembles lord derby. On the wall (right) is part of a three quarter length portrait, the head cut off by the upper edge of the design, inscribed 'sir g° van-ne[ck]'. Beside it is a stag's head on which hangs a man's hat, just above sawbridge. After the title is etched 'a hint for a new reform'. 'black jack' is sawbridge, who was swarthy, and a consistent advocate of parliamentary reform. In the background (right) are persons dancing. 25 april 1788
etching. Date: 1788. Dimensions: Height: 250 mm; Width: 347 mm. Medium: paper. Depicted People: Edward Smith-Stanley, 12th Earl of Derby. Collection: British Museum. The Royal joke,- or- Black Jacks delight. (BM 1851,0901.398)
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