Settling the Irish Affairs, or, Party Matters buried in a stone coffin, William Dent, 1785

A rectangular stone tomb (left) is broken at one end to show (left) the end of a stone coffin in which lie a lady and a man. On the tomb is a pyramid decorated with emblems: two goats playing irish harps, and a head with stag's horns, &c. On the top of the pyramid a decapitated and meretricious figure of fame stands on her neck, feet in air, pointing downwards. The tomb is inscribed: 'here \ blended lie th' oppressor \ and \ the' oppressed. \ pope'. Behind is the ruined wall of a gothic church with two tablets headed by grinning cherubs: (left) 'near this place \ lieth \ lady c------'; (right) 'near this place lieth an irish volunteer a dutiful servant and faithful friend'. An irradiated mask lies on the left of the tomb, a cockaded hat on the right. On the right stand three spectators: an angry husband clenching his fists, between a man (right) in profile to the left, holding up two fingers and scowling derisively, and another man with a grin stooping to look into the tomb. 12 january 1785 etching with hand-colouring. Date: 1785. Dimensions: Height: 243 mm; Width: 323 mm. Medium: paper. Collection: British Museum. Settling the Irish Affairs, or, Party Matters buried in a stone coffin (BM 1868,0808.5410)