The friendly agent [graphic].

[London] : Pubd. June 9th, 1787, by S.W. Fores, Piccadilly, [9 June 1787]

1 print : etching with stipple ; sheet 22.9 x 18.2 cm

laid paper

Temporary local subject terms: Trials: Warren Hastings -- Ghosts: Nuncomar -- Bulse -- Rupees -- Pagodas.

From a collection in twelve volumes probably compiled by Francis Harvey and sold at auction, Sotheby, London, June 1900. Bequest of Hugh Dudley Auchincloss to Yale University Library, 1981. Bound by Riviere & Son in three-quarters red morocco with gold tooling and gold lettering on spine.

"Major Scott (right) hauls at a broad ribbon round Hastings's neck by which he is being drawn up to a gibbet. The ribbon, which passes over a pulley, is inscribed 'Defence of W. Hasti--gs Esqr'. To each of Hastings's feet a large money-bag is attached inscribed respectively 'Rupees' and 'Pagodas'. Hastings looks with terror towards an Indian with a noose round his neck who emerges from flames and smoke, saying, "I am Nuncomar's Spirit, Hast**gs - follow me!". Small demons in the flames show that Nuncomar is in Hell. The top of the gibbet is decorated with the mask of Burke looking towards Hastings with a satisfied smile. The King and Queen stand together on the left, mourning the fate of Hastings. The Queen is much caricatured as a lean hag, clasping her hands and turning up her eyes; she is pregnant. Under the King's arm is a large packet inscribed 'Bulse'. Hastings, Scott, and the King wear oriental dress with turbans, that of the King surmounted by a crown. In the background an oriental town is in ruins but flies the British flag; tiny corpses lie in front of the buildings, two of which are Chinese pagodas resembling the one at Kew."--British Museum online catalogue.

English

July 24, 2013

Catalogue of prints and drawings in the British Museum, v. 6, no. 7169