Ten ladies, arranged in two rows, with numbers referring to notes etched beneath the design, their proposed offices etched above their heads. Below the title: 'respectfully submitted to the consideration of the ladies of great britain. ' '(1) first lady of the treasury and chancellor of the exchequer. ' the 'duc - ss of gor-n' (pitt's friend), wearing a tartan drapery, sits at a writing-table. Facing her, with outstretched right arm, is '(2) president of the council and duc-ss of ric-nd. ' '(3) lady high chancellor is the coun-ss of buc-s-e', very short and fat, in wig and gown and holding the purse of the great seal. Facing her is '(4) chamberlain', who is 'margr-ne of ans-h', wearing a coronet and feathers, and holding a long wand of office. '(5) mistress of the horse' holding a whip is 'lady arc-r. ' '(6) first lady of the admiralty' is 'mrs jo-n', with her arms folded, in profile to the right, as if playing the part of priscilla hoyden in 'the romp', see bmsat 6875, but wearing a naval cocked hat, emblem of her liaison with the duke of clarence, see bmsat 9009. Facing her is '(7) secretary of war & capn of the guards, la-y wa-ce' (sister of no. 1); she wears a military cocked hat and coat with epaulettes, her hands placed truculently on her hips. (her friendship with dumouriez is perhaps hinted at. ) '(8) mistress of the buck hounds', is 'march-ss of sa-ry', thin and weatherbeaten, holding two hounds on a leash, '(9) ranger of hyde park', is 'la-y la-e' (wife of sir john lade) wearing a riding-habit and holding a riding-switch. '(10) post mistress general and inspector of mis-sent letters' is 'la-y je-y'. She sits at a round table on which are many letters and appliances for opening and re-sealing them, including a spirit-lamp inscribed 'hot water'. She holds a lighted candle and peers through spectacles at a sealed letter. 1 february 1797
hand-coloured etching. Date: 1797. Dimensions: Height: 321 mm; Width: 442 mm. Medium: paper. Depicted People: Elizabeth, Margravine of Brandenburg-Ansbach-Bayreuth. Collection: British Museum. Hints towards a change of ministry (BM 1868,0808.6589)
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