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Single Combat in Moor-fields or Magnanimous Paulo o!- Challenging all o!, 30 January 1801

 Item — Box: LF104/6 Box 1
Reference code: LF104/6/44

Scope and Contents

By Thomas Rowlandson. The surface of a platform stretches across the design; on this Pitt (right), valiant but anxious, faces the massive Russian bear, Paul, behind whom stands a stout ferocious-looking Russian soldier (like a showman with a performing animal), nearsightedly reading a document: 'Be it known to all men, - that my master, - the most Magnanimous most puissant, most powerful and most wonderful great Bear of the north - being in his sound and sober senses - Challenges the Whole World to single combat - and commences his first trial of skill, here in Moorfields, after which it is his intention to persue his Travels, and visit every Court in Europe - Asia - Africa - and America'. The bear wears a plumed crown, a collar inscribed 'Paul Bruin', to which are attached the massive links of a chain. His drawn sword is 'Temper'd-á-lá-Suwarrow!' On his shield is a grotesque head with gaping mouth, and the inscription 'Swallow All O.' Pitt wears a plumed helmet and light armour. His sword is 'Temper'd á-lá Nelson', his shield is inscribed 'Howe', 'Duncan', 'Nelson', 'Jervaise' [St. Vincent], 'Warren', 'Parker'. The platform is surrounded by a dense and jovial crowd. The windows and roofs of the adjacent houses are crowded with tiny waving figures; a boy sits on the high wall before a bunding inscribed 'Moor Fields' and probably intended for Bedlam. Description from the British Museum.

Dates

  • Creation: 30 January 1801

Conditions Governing Access

Available by appointment in our Reading Room

Extent

1 Item(s)

Language of Materials

English

Repository Details

Part of the Special Collections and Archives Repository

Contact:
Western Bank Library
University of Sheffield
Western Bank
Sheffield South Yorkshire S10 2TN United Kingdom
+44 (0) 114 222 7299