England Plate 2d., William Hogarth, 1756

A scene outside an english country inn (the "duke of cumberland") with soldiers and sailors preparing for a french invasion; a soldier is painting a large caricature of louis xv on the tavern wall to the amusement of two young women, another soldier and a sailor; on a table rests a large pie, a tankard and a sheet with the verses of "rule britannia"; another soldier is reclining against a large drum and playing "god save great george our king" on the flute; to right, a short man stands on tip-toe to reach the height required by the recruiting sergeant; in the distance soldiers are drilling in an orderly fashion and beyond is a substantial country house. 1756 etching and engraving. Date: 1756. Dimensions: Height: 318 mm (plate mark); Height: 349 mm (sheet); Width: 380 mm (plate mark); Width: 410 mm (sheet). Medium: paper. Depicted People: Prince William Augustus, Duke of Cumberland (inn-sign). Collection: British Museum. England Plate 2d. (BM S,2.137 1)