George Humphrey
Idol of the people
Published
London : Published 28th June 1784, by G Humphrey, N° 48 Long Acre, [1784]
etching
image: 209 x 279 mm; sheet: 225 x 279 mm
Peel 3283
Notes
Title from item.
Engraved below image: This Dragon long had reigned the People's Wonder, / But Daniel's Pills have made him burst asunder.
Numbered "No. 10" at lower right.
Library's copy trimmed within plate mark.
Engraved below image: This Dragon long had reigned the People's Wonder, / But Daniel's Pills have made him burst asunder.
Numbered "No. 10" at lower right.
Library's copy trimmed within plate mark.
Provenance
Formerly owned by Sir Robert Peel.
Summary
A dragon with the head of Fox (left) breaking in pieces, crouches on a rectangular pedestal inscribed 'Idol of the People [these words forming the title] Vide Hist, of Bel & the Dragon'. Pitt (right) rams a pole into the mouth of Fox saying, "Behold Whom ye Worshipd". On the corner of the pedestal, under the dragon's outstretched neck, is a pile of balls ('pills'); another pile is on the ground. Burke and the Duchess of Devonshire stand behind the dragon watching its destruction with gestures and expressions of grief. North (right), his back to Pitt, walks weeping away through a doorway, a handkerchief held to his eye.
Associated names
Humphrey, George, 1739-1826, publisher.
Peel, Robert, 1788-1850, former owner.
Peel, Robert, 1788-1850, former owner.
Classification
Department
Century prints
Catalog link