The chancellor of the inquisition marking the incorrigibles / Js. Gy. desn et fect. pro bono publico.

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James Gillray
1756-1815
The chancellor of the inquisition marking the incorrigibles / Js. Gy. desn et fect. pro bono publico.
hand colored etching
image: 34.2 x 23.9 cm; plate: 35 x 24.9 cm; sheet: 35.9 x 25.7 cm
Peel 2820
Provenance: 
Formerly owned by Sir Robert Peel.
Summary: 

Burke, writing as he walks, advances towards the door of the 'Crown & Anchor' tavern, over which is inscribed 'British Inquisition'. He wears a skull-cap and long legal robe, from his waist hangs a bag like that of the Great Seal, on which the royal arms are replaced by a crown and anchor and having a skull at each corner. His head is in profile to the left and he scowls with fiercely protruding lips. He holds up a large sheaf of paper headed 'Black List', his pen touching the last word of the inscription (a parody of Richard III): 'Beware of N--rf--k! --P--tl--d loves us not! - The R--ss--l's will not join us The Man of the People [Fox] has lived too long for us! The Friends of the People must be blasted by us! Sherridan, Ersk[ine].' On one of the door-posts is a narrow slit inscribed 'Anonymous - Letter Box'. The door of the famous tavern appears to be correctly depicted, but its lamps are surmounted by royal crowns.

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