Print, satirical print, title-page, Romeyn de Hooghe, 1701

Title page to a tract entitled "ptolomeus, copernicus, en merkuur op de parnas over de zon en de waereld", no. 20 in the series entitled "esopus in europa"; in the centre, an etching showing louis xiv, the sun behind his head, standng on crutches in a chariot that speeds over the globe with broken wheels. Its seat is a close-stool into which the king defecates; his face is old but he carries a mask of youth around his neck. The chariot is driven by madame de maintenon, a rosary at her waist and a star, "stella vespertina", in her hair. The reins are seized on one side by the imperial eagle and on the other by the dutch lion, supported by the unicorn of england. Signs of the zodiac appear in an arc behind. 1701 etching with letterpress printed in black ink. Date: 1701. Dimensions: Height: 97 mm (image plate); Height: 187 mm (sheet); Width: 130 mm (image plate); Width: 149 mm (sheet). Medium: paper. Depicted People: Aesop. Collection: British Museum. Print, satirical print, title-page (BM 1854,0513.522.20 1)