Duke William's Ghost., James Gillray, 1799

The prince of wales lies on his bed, partly dressed, in a drunken stupor, head downwards, right arm hanging to the ground, where are broken bottles and spilt wine. The ghost of his great-uncle, william augustus, duke of cumberland (1721-65), immensely fat, and naked except for cocked hat and sabre, emerging from clouds, stands at the bed-side (right), holding up an hour-glass whose sands have nearly run out; in his right hand he raises the bed-curtains which frame the design. He warns the prince of the effects of drink and corpulence. See bmsats 9383, 9384, 9385, where the warning is extended. 7 may 1799 hand-coloured etching. Date: 1799. Dimensions: Height: 254 mm; Width: 348 mm. Medium: paper. Depicted People: Prince William Augustus, Duke of Cumberland. Collection: British Museum. Duke William's Ghost. (BM 1868,0808.12520)