Malmesbury sits full-face in a bergère which he entirely fills, his feet close together, putting both thumbs to his mouth. He wears a court suit and ribbon, but no sword. A patterned carpet and a panelled wall complete the design. Above his head:
'q - are you empowered to treat for yourself only? a. I don't know q - can you treat for your friends ? - a - i don't know. Q - what proposals have you to make? a - i don't know. Q - have you been fully instructed in this business? a - no. Q - what are you come here for? a - i don't know q - then it seems you know nothing at all about the matter? a no. But i'll send back & enquire' 10 november 1796. Hand-coloured etching. Date: 1796. Dimensions: Height: 348 mm; Width: 214 mm. Medium: paper. Depicted People: Charles Delacroix de Constant. Collection: British Museum. Lord mum sucking his thumb!! (BM 1868,0808.6562)
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