print;
satirical print
- Museum number
- 1868,0808.4450
- Title
- Object: [Burke's two consciences.]
- Description
-
Frontispiece from 'Gynomachia; or, a Contest between two old Ladies, in the Service of a celebrated Orator'. Pub. Walter, Piccadilly. Two bare-legged old women stand disputing before Minos, seated and holding a sceptre. Both have the head of Burke; one (left) wears quasi-classical draperies in which documents are thrust, one inscribed 'Sublime & Beautiful', and is addressing the other, who stands defiantly, hands on hips. The latter (right) is dressed like an Irish peasant, in her petticoats are numerous documents, one inscribed 'Prest Disconte[nts]'. The words spoken are engraved beneath the design:
'To One Master, my Lord we two Women belong,
Whom I strive to lead right, and she strives to lead wrong,
Edmund Burke's Moral Conscience, my Lord is my Name,
His Political Conscience, is she to her shame.'
Minos resembles Lord Camden; on the apex of his throne is an owl. On each side of him stands a judge, one (left) has some resemblance to Arden, the other (right) to Thurlow. Clouds and a row of satyr-like creatures indicate Hell. 1789
Etching
- Production date
- 1789
- Dimensions
-
Height: 253 millimetres
-
Width: 177 millimetres
- Curator's comments
- (Description and comment from M.Dorothy George, 'Catalogue of Political and Personal Satires in the British Museum', VI, 1938)
This verse-satire (B.M.L. 11630. c. 11/14) is reviewed in the 'Monthly Review', May 1789, p. 463. It was a violent attack on Burke's political conduct and on 'the Whig's Creed'. For Burke's unpopularity at this time, increased by his violent speeches on the Regency question, see Wraxall, 'Memoirs', 1884, v. 314 ff.
- Location
- Not on display
- Acquisition date
- 1868
- Department
- Prints and Drawings
- Registration number
- 1868,0808.4450