A sequel to bmsat 6481. A view of temple bar, with the heads upon it, much larger than life, of north (left), fox (centre), and burke (right) whose spectacles have fallen off and rest on the top of the arch. Each head wears a wig. In three niches (in place of the two on the real temple bar) are the headless bodies of the three: that of north (left), standing stiffly in profile to the right, is inscribed 'avarice'; that of fox is a fox standing on its hind legs inscribed 'ambition'; that of burke (right) dressed as a jesuit (cf. Bmsat 6026) in a monk's robe, with a rosary hanging from his waist, and wearing sandals, standing stiffly in profile to the left, is inscribed 'hypocrisy'. Above the niches are the royal arms, reversed and burlesqued: they are in a circle resembling a guinea (cf. Bmsat 6492); in place of the horse of hanover is a fox; the supporters are (dexter) britannia with three feathers in her helmet, indicating the prince of wales; and (sinister) a female figure (right) whose head is irradiated. The lion stands upon a broken crown. Beneath is the motto, 'evil be to them that evil think'. The archway beneath the niches is closed by a spiked gate, almost covered by a placard:
'declaration,
since people in geriral agree
this place should have fit members three
(whigs, who for so high a station,
have prov'd their qualification,)
where they, pro bono publico,
the crows their parts so rare may show,
and the nation serve most truly
elected i return 'em duly. Justice
returning officer'
on each side of the arch bills are posted; on the left two play-bills: 'at the kings theatre by his majesty's servants, the patriots with the triumph of virtue'. Below this is, 'at the little theatre by a strolling company will be attempted oliver cromwell. ['oliver cromwell, an historical play by g. S. Green, pub. 1752, was never acted. ] after the play a dance of furies by reynard, boreas and omer with the mock patriot which will be performed in a masterly manner'. On the right: 'dr ax undertakes to cure the most confirmed disorders, by three doses, and to restore the constitution to perfect health. . '. Beneath this is, 'your votes are desired for edmund, frederic, charles cerberus' (see bmsat 6481). 7 april 1784
etching. Date: 1784. Dimensions: Height: 350 mm; Width: 250 mm. Medium: paper. Depicted People: Edmund Burke. Collection: British Museum. The General Election (BM 1868,0808.5230)
Loading...
