The Slave Trade, William Dent, 1788

The king stands in profile to the left, looking upwards, surrounded by obsequious ministerialists and others. Pitt is prone at his feet kissing his toe. Dundas, in highland dress, kneels behind him, kissing his posterior. Behind dundas, stooping low, are two lawyers, the attorney-general (arden) and the solicitor-general (macdonald). A third man on the extreme right bows low. In front of the king and behind pitt, kenyon kneels with clasped hands. Next him is wilkes. Two men bowing on the right are sydney (left) and probably carmarthen. Two other persons are partly visible, one of whom appears to be a bishop. The heads and hands of all but the king are shaded to indicate a dark complexion. 15 april 1788 etching. Date: 1788. Dimensions: Height: 195 mm; Width: 269 mm. Medium: paper. Depicted People: Richard Pepper Arden, 1st Baron of Alvanley. Collection: British Museum. The Slave Trade (BM 1868,0808.5712)