John bull, with almost horizontal back, is ridden by four powers, while pitt (left) leads him by a rein attached to a bit and bridle. He wears a collar to which is attached a weight: 'tax upon income'. The sultan, wearing a large jewelled turban, sits on john's shoulders, clutching his ear. Next is the tsar holding the sultan round the waist; clasping him is the king of prussia, who is held by the emperor precariously poised and using a heavy spear against john's thigh. John bull supports himself with a heavy club, 'staff of perseverance', held in both hands. He says to pitt: "what! more cock-horseing, an be da------'d to you - i thought they would ha let i alone this time. Do shove that great big turk, & the russian a little lower, or i shall certainly be upset; - the other two ride snug enough, they be used to it! - what be i to do now? - i donna much like my new collar - i wish you would ease un a little. " pitt, tripping lightly, turns his head in profile to say: "this is only a little training - should you now be wanted, you shall astonish the world! your collar is very handsome & becoming, i assure you. " 1 january 1799
hand-coloured etching. Date: 1799. Dimensions: Height: 236 mm; Width: 348 mm. Medium: paper. Depicted People: Francis II, Holy Roman Emperor, Francis I, Emperor of Austria. Collection: British Museum. John Bull in training for the year 1799!! (BM 1868,0808.6809)
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