The Dutch divisions

Four monarchs divide between them a map of the territories of the Dutch Republic, all saying, "Let us support the poor Dutch!" In the background (left) the 'Stadt House' falls in ruins, and on a small rock in the sea inscribed 'Texel' a fat Dutchman in back view, looking out to sea, says, "Now, I am an Absolute Monarch"; the words ascend in the smoke of his pipe. He holds a sword and is surrounded by cackling geese. All four sovereigns hold the map, and all shed tears: George III (right) tugs at it with both hands, tearing off a piece inscribed 'Good Hope', 'Java', 'Saba', 'Eustatia', 'Curac', 'Bonaire' (?), 'Coruba', 'St Martins', 'Surinam'. Frederick William of Prussia (left), seated on the ground, wearing a fool's cap decorated with the skull and cross-bones of the Death's Head Hussars, uses a dagger to cut off a piece containing 'Friesland', 'Groningen', 'Overyisel', and 'Ceylon'. The Emperor Joseph, standing opposite Frederick William, slices the map with a large sword, securing 'Utrecht', 'Zalper' (?), 'Holland', 'Molucca Islands'. Between Joseph and George III Louis XVI, dressed as a French fop, uses a pair of shears to cut off 'Guelderland', 'Zeeland', 'Rotterda[m]', and 'Hague'. Cf. British Museum online catalogue.