Five heads surround a taper whose flame is the head in profile to the left of george iii. The taper rises from the centre of a crown which rests on a tasselled cushion in the foreground. On the left is sheridan in profile, his face disfigured by drink, puffing angrily; next is fox facing three-quarter length to the right, with a fierce expression. Next is the prince of wales, alarmed and rather fierce; beside him is mrs. Fitzherbert, wearing breeches round her shoulders, one leg terminating in a garter inscribed 'honi soit. . ' the ribbon of her night-cap is decorated with the prince's feathers and 'ich dien'. On the extreme right is grey, puffing intently, his blast directed at the back of the king's head. All the others puff awry, and the light burns steadily. All the men wear night-caps and shirts open at the neck. 3 october [1792]. Hand-coloured etching. Date: 1792. Dimensions: Height: 246 mm; Width: 350 mm. Medium: paper. Depicted People: Maria Anne Fitzherbert. Collection: British Museum. The little farthing rush light (BM 1868,0808.5789)
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