This is a rare early 19th-century satirical print relating to the European Royal accession question in the 1830s. It came from a small collection of prints relating to Greek and Ottoman History which belonged to the historian William St Clair (1937 - 2021).
It was made by Thomas Howell Jones (fl. 1823 - 1848) and published by S.W. Fores in 1830.
Simon William Fores specialised in hand-coloured, singly issued satirical prints or caricatures, and became one of London's leading caricature publishers. He was particularly innovative in marketing his prints, selling them wholesale and retail, and he was one of the first dealers to hire out folios of caricatures for evening viewing with friends. Fores also offered other services such as frame-making and teaching etching, and he kept a large stock of art supplies.
The image shows William IV (right) and the Duke of Wellington (left). They sit at a rectangular table and are bisected by the Royal Sceptre which lies slightly nearer to the King. Both appear to be anxious and rather preoccupied. Behind the table stands the Duke of Cumberland, his finger to his nose, holding his hat at arm's length in his gloved right hand so that it hides the head of a portrait of 'Victoria'. The wee figure of Prince George peeps out from behind his father.
Prince Leopold, in uniform, looks round the door to say 'Sauve qui peut!!! how are you off for Greece?' and also questions Royal Succession in the newly Independent Greece. The subject of the print no doubt relates to Cumberland's supposed designs on the crown in 1830 after the death of King George IV. It may be also associated with fears of a reactionary coup, as in July Revolution in France.
The image is inscribed in the plate with the title, text within the image and publication line: "London. Pubd. 1830. by. S W. Fores. 41. Piccadily."
It is an etching with its original hand colouring. It is sold as an original early 19th-century impression - and it is not a later reproduction. The rarity of this work is reflected in my asking price.
An impression is again in the British Museum and the National Portrait Gallery in London.
Condition: Sold with a new fresh window mount and simple new black wood frame. The print is in good condition with no tears, spotting or discolouration to the sheet - the hand colouring of the etching is original to the print. I have taken a number of images for you to assess the condition and details.
The frame is 38 x 48 cm.
UK Posting Only. The cost to post will be £10 for Special Next Day Delivery This will be applied to your order at the checkout.