Military recreation in Holland
London : Publishd Octr 24th 1787, by T Harmar N° 164, (opposite Bond Street) Piccadilly, [1787]
"One of four satires on the invasion of the United Provinces by Prussia and the collapse of the Patriots who had relied on French assistance."--Curator's comments, British Museum online catalogue.
Formerly owned by Sir Robert Peel.
Five Prussian soldiers hold a blanket in which they toss a fat Dutch burgher who flies into the air, losing his hat and wig, a shower of coins falling from his pocket. The uniforms of the soldiers are varied and elaborate. A drummer-boy beats his drum (left) and a mounted officer, probably the Duke of Brunswick, watches with amusement, as does a soldier standing beside him on the extreme right. Behind (left) is a high stone wall, from which an English sailor points out the scene below to a French petit-maitre whom he holds by the hair; the terrified Frenchman drops his snuff-box. On the horizon is a windmill. Cf. British Museum online catalogue.
Peel, Robert, 1788-1850, former owner.