Asset number
1613598857
Description
Probably a copy of BM Satires No. 15707.A, antedated to conceal the piracy. Peel and Wellington, as Hare and Burke, murder an old woman (the Mrs. Docherty of the trial). Peel, seated on a heap of straw, grips her between his legs, while he covers her mouth and nose; she struggles violently, her spectacles fall off. Wellington, wearing a soldier's jacket and peaked cap, holds her down, straddling across her, and raising a warning forefinger. Behind him (right) the plank door opens, behind it a priest wearing a Jesuit's biretta waits stealthily, holding up a cross. The small bare room is lit by a beam of light from a little window (left). The eyes of the murderers glitter. Above the design: 'Hark! the Doctor Knoxcks [x crossed out]—she is almost done—and ready for you—vide Old Play.' March 1829
Hand-coloured etching
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