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The Monster 1783

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William Humphrey

The Monster 1783

Published

[London] : Pub. April 2d 1783 by W Humphrey N° 227 Strand, near Temple Bar, [1783]

etching, handcolored :
plate mark: 298 x 240 mm; sheet: 289 x 223 mm
Purchased by J. Pierpont Morgan, 1900.
Peel 3236
Notes
Etched text above image: The Beast that thou sawest Was and Is Not, and shall ascend out of the Bottomless Pitt, and go into Perdition, and they that dwell on the Earth shall wonder when they behold the Beast that Was & is Not & yet Is. Rev. c. 17 v. 8.
Two columns of verse flanking title: This many-headed Monster of the Land ... Yet all agree in one thing, Snack the Pelf.
Inscriptions/Markings
In pencil at foot: Mr. Burke.
Provenance

Formerly owned by Sir Robert Peel.

Summary

Print of a monster representing the new ministry, which was not actually formed until 2 April, the of publication. Its body is that of a fox, standing on one hind-leg. It has eight heads in a group and no fore-legs; two other heads are below the tail. The central and uppermost head is that of the Duke of Portland; on the left is the Duke of Richmond, on the right is Keppel. Below these there are four heads; left and in profile to the left is perhaps Lord Stormont; next probably William Eden; next Lord Carlisle; and, in profile to the right, Burke wearing his spectacles. Below these, and in profile to the left, is Lord John Cavendish. From below the upraised tail issues a flatulent blast inscribed "Coalition"; beneath this are the heads of North and Fox. Cf. British Museum online catalog.

Associated names
Humphrey, William, approximately 1740-approximately 1810, publisher.
Peel, Robert, 1788-1850, former owner.
Classification
Department
Century prints