This is a fabulous antique satirical print relating to the Greek War of Independence. It came from a small collection of prints relating to Greek and Ottoman History which belong to the historian William St Clair (1937 - 2021).
This one was made by William Heath (sometimes calling himself Paul Pry) and published by Thomas McLean in London (May 1830). So now nearly 200 years old.
There is a fine collection of prints by Heath in the collection of the National Portrait Gallery in London which lampoon the Royalty and Politicians of the Georgian era.
This sheet is an original Georgian satirical print (and not a later reproduction). It is an etching with original hand-colouring - and as you can see from my images it is in excellent antique condition.
HISTORY: Leopold was the youngest son of Francis, Duke of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld, and was the first King of the Belgians, reigning from 1831 – 1865. He cut a rather dashing figure and fought against Napoleon during the Napoleonic Wars. After his defeat, Leopold moved to the UK and married Princess Charlotte. After the Greek War of Independence, he was offered the Greek throne under the 1830 London Protocol that created an independent Greek State (as depicted here). He believed this appointment might prove to be to so precarious and instead accepted the Belgium throne instead.
In the centre of the print, we can see the squat figure of John Bull in black top boots and a blue tailcoat. He is shown in profile, and offers Prince Leopold, a crown made of dangerous spiky daggers; behind him stands a tall, rather grotesque Frenchman and a stocky Russian in baggy blue trousers with a thick yellow stripe. Leopold (extreme left), in his military uniform, runs and looks back at the unwanted crown being offered to him.
Lettered, upper centre: "WHO'LL HAVE A CROWN -- NOW'S YOUR TIME | You see Gentlemen I've got a head on my shoulders & wish to keep it there | well I think you are right not to take it -- shall I give it to O'Connell or Cobbet"; lettering lower left: "W Heath"; lower centre: "Why there was a crown offered him : and being offered him, he put it by with the back of his hand, thus; vida Julius Caesar"; lettered lower right: "Publ May 29 1830 by T McLean | 26 Haymarket"
The image measures 24 x 35 cm and the frame is 38 x 48 cm.
It is a lovely framed artwork - and a fabulous piece of European history. With its new fresh window mount and simple wooden black frame - it is all ready for you to just hang on your wall. UK Postage Only. This will be with Next Day Special Delivery and will cost £10 and be applied at checkout.