Doctor Plot
Lettered: "O. P. del." and "Q. R. Sculp."
Beneath the design, the stork and anchor, apparently the Doctor's crest, are enclosed in a medallion, beside which is engraved: 'Curs'd be the Art by which I was decoy'd, And dam'd the Vassal of this Miscreant's Pride; To stand pourtray'd, a Prisoner of State, Upon his Coaches side, and Iron Gate, And stamp a satire on his purloin'd Plate.
"A satire on an unidentified parson. The crest is that of the Pitt family."--British Museum online catalog.
Trimmed within plate mark.
Formerly owned by Sir Robert Peel.
Print shows a parson, much caricatured, standing and holding out a paper inscribed "The Reversionary Deed £100 for 11000". From his coat-pocket protrudes a paper: "one of my Will[s]". A demon standing in a pit or newly dug grave holds a chain which is attached to one of his ankles. Behind the pit (left) is a rectangular tomb inscribed "Give to Genius his own Offspring". An arm extends from the left margin of the design to grasp a money-bag inscribed "Simony" which stands on the tomb. On the right is a cradle filled with (?) documents. On it stands a stork, whose right leg is placed on an anchor. To the anchor is attached a string, the other end of which is held by a winged woman (? an angel) who looks down from clouds. Behind the cradle is a circular tent, inscribed "Bosworth Field Action"; its apex is surmounted by a skull wearing a mitre. Behind the tomb is a churchyard leading to a church. Cf. British Museum catalog.
Peel, Robert, 1788-1850, former owner.