Twelve figures arranged in two rows, each representing dundas (not caricatured) in one of his capacities, title and words etched above each. [1] 'a governor of the charter house'. He walks (left to right), looking down at a document in his left hand and saying: "how i venerate charters". [2] 'joint keeper of the signet in scotland'. He holds out his left hand looking admiringly at a signet ring: "a vera pretty seal ring worth £2000 a year". [3] 'chancellor of the university of st andrew'. He sits directed to the left in a high-backed arm-chair wearing academic cap and long gown: "there is great weight and dignity in a gown and square cap. " [4] 'patent printer of the bible in scotland'. He sits in dressing-gown, cap, and slippers at a printing-press of the caxton type, saying: "this printing and composing is vera tedious, but as it brings in about £6000 per annum i must noe loose sight of it. " [5] 'custos rotulorum for middlesex'. He sits pompously in a high-backed chair wearing an old-fashioned cocked hat and laced coat, saying: "a little consequence is very necessary in a custos rotulorum". [6] 'a treasurer of the navy'. He sits at a table on which are money-bags and piles of coin, which he is counting: "ah! this is pretty neat employment i love to count over the siller. " [7] 'a governor of greenwich hospital'. He stands, wearing cocked hat and uniform, in profile to the right, right hand on his hip, left hand on the hilt of a sword: "a naval uniform is vera becoming. " [8] 'a commissioner of chelsea hospital'. He stands with arms folded, wearing cocked hat with military uniform: "as is also that of the miliatory in due season. " [9] 'a commissioner for india affairs'. He stands with his back to a group of barrels and chests, turning to the right: "what are ye aboot ye lazy loons, why are not these goods shipp'd off for india d'ye mean to do nothing at aw' for your money. " [10] 'governor of the bank of scotland'. He stands in profile to the left, 'chapeau-bras', one hand thrust under his waistcoat and wearing an old-fashioned wig: "this is what i call snug - vera little trouble. " [11] 'a secretary'. He writes busily in profile to the right at a davenport desk: "by my sawl i care not how many trades they make me sae that the siller comes alang with them catch aw things is the rule in scotland. " [12] 'an elder brother of the trinity house'. He stands in profile to the left, wearing a gown, bowing, cap in hand: "this concludes for the present my small portion of the candle ends, and cheese parings" [cf. Bmsat 9038]. 5 february 1798
etching. Date: 1798. Dimensions: Height: 358 mm; Width: 498 mm. Medium: paper. Depicted People: Henry Dundas, 1st Viscount Melville. Collection: British Museum. A specimen of Scotch modesty. (BM 1868,0808.10351)
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