| Method | Etching with original hand colouring |
| Artist | attributed to Isaac Cruickshank |
| Published | c. 1809 |
| Dimensions | Image 175 x 238 mm, Plate 187 x 255 mm, Sheet 260 x 380 mm |
| Notes |
The letters 'DR' for 'DRUM' in the title have been lightly scored through and replaced with a 'B' above. A satire featuring the Duke of York and John Bull, the personification of the United Kingdom, attributed to Isaac Cruickshank on stylistic grounds. The figure of John Bull stands astride to the right wielding a birch-rod about to strike the Duke, saying: "This Birch is a Stinger my Lad it was steeped in Maam Clarke's Pickling Pott, at the Commission Warehouse, Glouster Place". Behind him sits a birch-rod in a chamber-pot isncribed 'Mrs Clarke's Pickling Pott'. The Duke of York lays on his front, splayed over a large drum with his buttocks exposed, squealing: "Oh Dear Oh dear oh oh oh! Pray forgive me this time and I'll never do so any more Pon my Honor as a Sinner—oh—Indeed I wont Pon Honor I did'nt Oh Dear Oh", as he cries into an inverted bicorn hat inscribed 'Tears of Repantance' [sic]. A sheet of paper stuffed under the duke reads: 'For the Doubl Drum The D of Yorks March [bars of music], For the Drum The Rogues March', 'Rogue' scored through. Behind hangs a picture of 'York Cathed[ral]'. The caricature is likely a depiction of the public's reaction to the memoirs of the Duke of York' s mistress, Mary Anne Clarke (nee Thompson), published in 1809. Mrs Clark and Prince Frederick had been in a relationship since 1803 while he was Commander-in Chief of the army. Clarke was accused of selling army commissions under the table, with Frederick's knowledge, following the publication of her memoirs and the resulting scandal, Frederick resigned as Commander-in-Chief on 25 March 1809. BM Satires 11287 Condition: Light dirt build-up to margins. |
| Framing | unmounted |
| Price | £200.00 |
| Stock ID | 52979 |