A peep into Friar Bacon's study
[London] : Pubd. March 3d 1784 by W. Humphrey, No. 227 Strand, [1784]
Library's copy trimmed to plate mark.
Formerly owned by Sir Robert Peel.
In a room reminiscent of a magician's study, the King, dressed in a cloak as Friar Bacon, evokes visions of the royal power while the brazen head speaks. Each vision is represented by a large medallion inscribed, "Constitution," and shows a different balance of power between the king and both houses of Parliament. On the left, Fox, Burke, and North, peek in through an open door, appearing alarmed. On the right, a number of men walk down the "back stairs." The first of them, carrying a conspirator's lantern and led by the devil, is Lord Temple.
Peel, Robert, 1788-1850, former owner.