Four men seated at an oblong table examine women who claim to be creditors of the prince of wales. A sour-looking man presides (right), behind him is a mountainous pile of documents inscribed with sums of money ranging from '100 000' to '100'; two are inscribed 'bond', one is '5000 per ann mrs fitz' (cf. Bmsat 8485). One is '5000 morning post' (an echo of the regency crisis, see bmsat 7510, when the prince bought a share in the paper). The other three commissioners are on the chairman's right, facing the spectator. One (left), younger than the others, is engrossed with a courtesan who stands beside him, showing him her long bill; above her head is etched: 'oui. Oui. Valine received on acont'. The other three are intent on a good-looking woman who stands in front of the table, turning her back on them, but looking over her shoulder to throw towards them a torn paper: 'bond \ 10,000 g p. ' she says, "i dispise him & his obligation too!!!" (perhaps an echo of the affair with perdita robinson. See bmsat 6318. )
at the bottom of the table (left) is a group of women holding their bills. Among them is a bearded jew, saying, "mind. Value received is the countersign". The others include an ugly little hunchback, a fan in one hand, an enormous scroll in the other resting on the ground, on which are many items ranging from '50' to '1000'. A pregnant woman holds a bill: 'nin month after date 5000'. A miniature of the prince hangs at her waist. The remaining four include a black woman (cf. Bmsat 8634) and a hideous and overdressed crone supported on a crutch and a stick. 20 august 1795. Etching. Date: 1795. Dimensions: Height: 261 mm; Width: 397 mm. Medium: paper. Depicted People: Maria Anne Fitzherbert. Collection: British Museum. Interrogatories or an examination before the commissioners. (BM 1868,0808.6463)
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