his is a fine original antique hand-coloured etching which was published in 1810.
It is all nicely framed and ready just to hang on your wall.
It is certainly a very interesting satirical print - of museum quality - and indeed an impression is in the collection of the British Museum.
The print was made by William Heath and published by S W Fores and deals with questions of parliamentary reform and the Speaker's warrant for the commitment of Sir Francis Burdett.
William Heath was an early 19th-century caricaturist, known for his satirical cartoons. He made topical caricatures in the style of James Gillray, who was his biggest influence. Much like his contemporaries Thomas Rowlandson and George Cruikshank, Heath made many drawings lampooning politicians and fashions.
The image is entitled in full: A new game of shuttle cock as played by his majesty's servants for the amusement of John Bull.
It is lettered with the title, text within the image and publication line: "Pub 22 Apl 1810 by Fores Picadilli".
HISTORY: Ministers and others strike at a shuttlecock above their heads inscribed 'Speakers Warrant'; among the feathers sits a little man holding a crowned staff; he says: "Curse this game I don't Like it I never experienced Such boning about in my life, I wonder when you will have done"; he is Colman the Serjeant-at-Arms. Eldon, in his Chancellor's wig and gown and holding the Purse of the Great Seal, is the centre of a close group; he says: "Don't knock it here we have not power to Strike it".
Perceval, in back view, wears his Chancellor of the Exchequer's gown and holds a document inscribed 'Majority'; he says: "Curse the thing I wish I had never Seen it away with it". A second judge whose head is partly visible behind Eldon is probably Ellenborough. On the right is Gibbs, holding a paper inscribed 'Attorn[ey Gen]eral'. He says: "D-n it Ill hit it as Hard as I can tho I'm almost afraid to meddle with it".
There are two others in the group, one is silent, and the other resembles Canning (not in the Ministry); he says: "Sure honey Right or wrong I always stick to the Strongest Side so do let me have a Slap at it". The sturdiest striker stands in back view on the left, with a paper inscribed 'Read Bow Street' projecting from his pocket; he says: "I can't Read it Die Veneris! why its Spanish to me we don't understand Them there warrants".
On the extreme left stands the Speaker, Abbot, with a bat inscribed 'Double'; he says: "Dont Strike it to me again I'll have nothing more to do with it I've sent it to Bow Street".
The bats used are not the usual long-handled battledores, but short-handled wooden bats.
Above the design: 'NB The Feathers of the Shuttle Cock were pluked [sic] from a Sumersetshire Goose' .
A very interesting Georgian, and indeed a rare one. It is in fine condition - on laid paper with etched lines and contemporary 19th-century watercolour hand colouring.
Image size: 27 x 37 cm. Frame size: 42 x 55 cm.
My asking price for this rare early work by Heath is a fair one. It will have to be posted only to the UK. The postage will be with Pa;rcelforce24 and applied to your order at the checkout.