The state auction
[London] : Pubd March 26th by W. Humphrey No 227 Strand, [1784]
A reissue of this print for inclusion in James Hartley's "History of the Westminster election," London, 1784. See British Museum Catalogue.
Title etched below image.
Printmaker from British Museum catalogue.
Library's copy trimmed to plate mark.
Formerly owned by Sir Robert Peel.
William Pitt, acting as an auctioneer in the dissoluted Parliament, sells from the rostrum decorated with Royal Arms "useless valuables," such as "Magna Charta." Corwall, the Speaker sitting below the rostrum, records bids in the "Sundry acts." In front of him stands Thurlow in Chancellor's robes making dismissive comment on "nonsensical bidings of those common fellows," i.e. members of the House of Commons who leave through the door on the left. Last of them, Fox, turns back vowing to bid "with spirit" for lot 1, "rights of the people in 558 vol." held on display by Henry Dundas. A reference to the dissolution of the Parliament by the King on March 25.
Peel, Robert, 1788-1850, former owner.