The Times Plate I, William Hogarth, 1762

A city on fire, emblematic of the seven years war and george iii's efforts to bring about peace; in the centre, a fire-engine on which stands a man with a badge lettered "gr" aiming his hose at a shop-sign of the globe; other fire-fighters dressed as soldiers, sailors and scots in plaid; beyond, a group of city of london aldermen and butchers cheer william pitt (in earlier states represented by the figure of henry viii) standing on stilts and pumping bellows to encourage the flames; to left, a number of shop-signs referring to political factions, including "newcastle inn" and "the patriot arms"; to right, women and children rendered homeless by the fire and a bare-legged fiddler; above a dove of peace emerges from the clouds. 1762 etching and engraving. Date: 1762. Dimensions: Height: 245 mm; Width: 305 mm. Medium: paper. Depicted People: George III, King of the United Kingdom. Collection: British Museum. The Times Plate I (BM Heal,Topography.167)