Extirpation of the plagues of Egypt;-Destruction of Revolutionary Crocodiles;-or- The British Hero cleasing ye mouth of the ye Nile., James Gillray, 1798

Nelson, in naval uniform, stands knee-deep in water, among a swarm of crocodiles which he is dispatching with a club of 'british oak', raised in his left hand. In the hook which replaces his right hand are cords attached to barbed hooks which transfix the jaws of nine (tricolour) crocodiles. In the foreground crocodiles are contorted in death-agony, one emits tiny crocodiles in a gush of water from its jaws. Two swim off (left). One disappears with tail erect. Behind (right) the jaws of a monster larger than the others gape from the water, emitting a fiery explosion. The crocodiles are tricolour, most shed tears. In the background the nile winds inland, tiny crocodiles are indicated swimming in its mouth. Behind are pyramids, and on the shore the buildings and columns of alexandria. 6 october 1798 hand-coloured etching. Date: 1798. Dimensions: Height: 268 mm; ; Width: 363 mm. Medium: paper. Depicted People: Horatio Nelson, Viscount Nelson, . Collection: British Museum. Extirpation of the plagues of Egypt;-Destruction of Revolutionary Crocodiles;-or- The British Hero cleasing ye mouth of the ye Nile. (BM 1851,0901.937)