Fox (right), as mentor, leads the prince of wales (left) towards the 'elysian fields', represented by a table covered with cards, dice, &c, by two courtesans drinking, by a horse-race, and by a pugilistic encounter; the table is in the foreground (right), the other scenes are on the slope of a hill receding into the background. On the table one of the packs of cards is inscribed 'brooks'; a book is 'hoyle' [on whist], another is 'faro laws'; the letters 'e' and 'o' indicate roulette (see bmsat 5928, &c). The two women sit at a round table on which are bottles of 'champagne' and 'claret'. Fox wears a cloak over a tunic and has bare legs. The prince (telemachus) looks in profile to the right with surprised pleasure towards the 'elysian fields'. He wears a hat with three feathers, and burlesqued classical costume: cloak, ermine-trimmed tunic, &c. On the left, in profile to the left, stands alderman newnham, knocking at the door of the 'treasury'. The knocker, inscribed 'delicacy', is on a mask with the features of pitt. On the door the words 'knock and it shall be opened' have been scored through. Newnham wears a furred livery gown over an apron. He holds his hat in his left hand and from his left arm hangs a shield with the arms of the city of london in reverse and the prince's motto 'ich dien'. 2 may 1787
etching with hand-colouring. Date: 1787. Dimensions: Height: 206 mm; Width: 357 mm. Medium: paper. Depicted People: Charles James Fox. Collection: British Museum. Motion for Restoring his H- to Dignity, or Mentor reconducting Telemachus to the Elysian Fields. A Fancy piece in watercolours (BM 1868,0808.5642)
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