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The Fall of Phaeton _ The Blow Up of the Whig Club _ or the Majesty of the People, 17 November 1798

 Item — Box: LF104/5 Box 1
Reference code: LF104/5/37
The Fall of Phaeton _ The Blow Up of the Whig Club _ or the Majesty of the People, 17 November 1798
The Fall of Phaeton _ The Blow Up of the Whig Club _ or the Majesty of the People, 17 November 1798

Scope and Contents

Published: S. W. Fores. Fox as Phaeton falls head first from his chariot, smitten by thunderbolts issuing from the mouth of George III (left), whose head is surrounded by the rays of the sun. The chariot is drawn by three animals and by a winged dragon inscribed 'Ambition', from whose mouth issues a barbed fang and the words 'Aut Cæzar aut Nullus'. The animals are (1) 'Duplicity', with a wolf's head concealed by a mask with human features; it says: "Whats Duplicity, Why, Coalesing with the Man that 'deserved a Halter". (2) Patriotism, a similar beast holding in its mouth a staff supporting a cap of Liberty from which drop coins; it says: 'Whats Patriotism? a Pension to oppose the Government'. (3) 'Whiggism' with two human profiles, one scowling, the other saying, with a cynical smile: "Whats Whiggism? why, that the Prince of Wales has a right to be regent without the consent of the People". Behind the chariot stand three footmen with tags on their shoulders, who are being dislodged by the King's thunderbolts. They are the Duke of Norfolk, Erskine, and Sheridan. The thunderbolts are inscribed (four times) 'Maidstone Oaths' and 'Majesty of the People'. Below the clouds (right) and on a small scale is a view of the 'Shakespeare Tavern', on fire; members escape from a ground-floor window. Above, the interior of a room on the first floor is seen, a dinner of the Whig Club interrupted by the conflagration, the members fleeing in confusion. Among them is a stout parson, probably Dr. Parr. Description from the British Museum.

Dates

  • Creation: 17 November 1798

Conditions Governing Access

Physical item available by appointment in our Reading Room

Extent

1.0 Item(s)

Language of Materials

English