Winding up to a pitch" the automaton scaramouch, or, Harlequin courier's delight [graphic].

[London] : Pubd. by G. Humphrey, 27 St. James's St., Feb. 17, 1821.

1 print : etching with stipple ; sheet 29.1 x 22 cm

wove paper

"Bergami, moustachioed, whiskered, and alluring, in a tight-fitting harlequin's suit over which is a short gold-laced jacket, sits on a tall stool, holding up a life-like puppet representing the Queen. He grasps it by the waist, and pulls a ribbon, making arms and legs fly up. She smiles delightedly down at him, her ringlets flying. She wears the décolletée over-dress of British Museum Satires No. 14103, open to show frilled and spotted drawers. Bergami, part courier, part Harlequin, has a heavy queue of hair hanging from his black curls, and wears a peaked cap with a big gold tassel. A heavy postilion's whip projects from his pocket. He is directed to the left, towards an open French window and a vine trellis, with a view of Lake Como (see British Museum Satires No. 13857). He raises his right leg, looking over his left shoulder, away from his puppet. On the floor are the courier's discarded pistol, powder-flask, holster, and saddle; behind his chair are portmanteaus, one inscribed 'B B'. A large book propped against a decanter inscribed 'A Boire' is: 'Hop Step and Jump, or, every man his own Courier. List of Postes on the high road from Dunghill, to Barona' [see British Museum Satires No. 14119]. A partly dropped curtain (right) reveals two figurines embracing below a shelf of books. The carpet is patterned with hearts."--British Museum online catalogue, description of a variant state.

Harlequin courier's delight

English

October 30, 2018