Patriots amusing themselves, or, Swedes practising at a post [graphic].

[London] : Pubd. April 19th, 1792, by H. Humphrey, No. 18 Old Bond Street, [19 April 1792]

1 print : etching ; sheet 25 x 35 cm

laid paper

Temporary local subject terms: Allusion to the assassination of Gustavus III of Sweden, March 1792 -- Guns: blunderbuss -- Pistol -- Targets: George III as a shooting target -- Toadstools -- Arms: royal arms -- Literature: books by Joseph Priestley satirized -- Music: c̦a ira.

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.

"Fox (right) kneels in profile to the left, firing point-blank from a blunderbuss at a post which roughly suggests George III in back view: it is surmounted by a short wig and a hunting-cap decorated with the royal arms; round a protuberance simulating posteriors a circle is drawn with a bull's-eye at which Fox is firing. He is much caricatured, with large head and short fat legs; he wears a slouch hat with the inscription 'Ca-Ira', and has a pleased and sinister smile. Behind him Priestley (left) and Sheridan (right) face each other in profile with conspiratorial smiles. Sheridan is ramming the barrel of a pistol, saying, "Well! this new Game is delightful! - O Heavens! if I could but once Pop the Post!!! then you and me, - Dear Brother P, - Would sing with glee, - Full merrily Ca-ira! Ca-ira! Ca-ira!" Priestley holds out to him two books: "on the Glory of Revolution and on the Folly of Religion & Order", saying, "Here's plenty of Wadding for to ram down the Charge with, to give it force, & to make a loud Report.""--British Museum online catalogue.

Swedes practising at a post

English

March 07, 2007