French liberality, or, an attempt to conquer all the world by being too civil by half, William Dent, 1792

A french general (dumouriez) stands (left) in profile to the right, holding out a document to three men, each (like himself) standing on a piece of land surrounded by water. In his left hand is a huge sabre. The four figures are respectively inscribed (left to right): 'french', 'german', 'dutch', 'english'. Dumouriez, who is much burlesqued, wears a huge cocked hat and enormous shirt-frill and ruffles; on his thin legs are wide jack-boots, his queue reaches to the ground. His document is inscribed 'convention to alexander dumourier - give freedom to all the world'. He says "having more liberty den we vos know vat to do wid, we vos resolve to give some to all de world - and for de sword or freedom give us von little bit of a contribution. " the german, who is not caricatured, wears a cocked hat and military coat; he answers, "we wish to retain the liberty of being governed by religion and law". The stout dutchman, who wears long baggy breeches and smokes a pipe, answers, leaning forward defiantly, "you give us liberty? you be dam'ed - let us enjoy commercial freedom and the right of making money where we can, and a fig for your ideal goddess. " the very corpulent englishman, a plainly dressed john bull, who stands solidly in profile to the left, clasping his stomach, answers, "why we are fat and free! and live under a glorious constitution, its old and i venerate it - to be sure time may have made a few flaws and cracks in it - but dam it, it can never be mended with plaister of paris - so you may keep your freedom and your fricasee to yourself !" 8 december 1792 hand-coloured etching. Date: 1792. Dimensions: Height: 247 mm; Width: 350 mm. Medium: paper. Depicted People: Charles François Dumouriez. Collection: British Museum. French liberality, or, an attempt to conquer all the world by being too civil by half (BM 1868,0808.6242)