Théologie a la Turque.-The Pale of the Church of Mahomet., James Gillray, 1799

A terrified french civilian is about to be impaled on a spike planted in the desert. He is carried by two turks, in a sitting posture, one supporting his legs, and clasps in the left hand a paper: 'le prophete demasqué', while in the right is raised a large volume: 'l'imposture de mahomet'. A mohammedan priest follows the group, declaiming from his open 'alkoran'. A stout turk with a long spear stands (left) facing the victim and directing operations. In the background is a frenchman holding on his head a large turban, his discarded hat lying on the ground. He looks over his shoulder with a grin at the impending execution. 12 march 1799 hand-coloured etching. Date: 1799. Dimensions: Height: 252 mm; Width: 352 mm. Medium: paper. Collection: British Museum. Théologie a la Turque.-The Pale of the Church of Mahomet. (BM 1868,0808.6829)