The funeral procession of Broad-Bottom / Js Gillray fect.

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James Gillray
1756-1815
The funeral procession of Broad-Bottom / Js Gillray fect.
London : Pubd April 6th 1807-by H Humphrey 27 St James's Street, [1807]
Bequest of Gordon N. Ray, 1987.
1986.433
Published: 
London : Pubd April 6th 1807-by H. Humphrey 27 St James's Street, [1807]
Provenance: 
From the library of Gordon N. Ray.
Summary: 

Print shows a procession advancing to the door of a church which a parson is in the act of closing. Only his arms and robe are visible; he says: " - no Burial here, for Broad-Bottom: - he died a Roman; - besides, - 'tis a felo-de-se case; - take him to the next 4 cross-roads; & the Family has a large Stake always ready!" Lord Henry Petty, as the acolyte, Petty drops his bell and candle and capers in dismay. The three pall-bearers are Sidmouth, Lord St. Vincent, and Windham. Below the coffin are seen the robes and bare sandalled feet of monks. On the top of the coffin is Grenville, face downwards, and showing the back of his wig, and a dome- shaped hump denoting his famous 'broad-bottom'. Behind the coffin walks the Pope, in his tiara and robes, weeping and supported between the Marquis of Buckingham and his son Lord Temple, who are both dressed as priests. Behind is Howick, a barefooted monk, holding up the Pope's long robes. Behind walk arm-in-arm, both shambling and dissipated, Sheridan clutching a bottle of 'Brandy' and General Fitzpatrick, from whose pocket hangs a paper: 'Tears of Hedge Lane' [a squalid resort of prostitutes in Westminster]. Next, Erskine and Ellenborough walk together; Erskine claps to his eye his beloved and discarded Chancellor's wig. At the end of the procession are Lauderdale and Moira.

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