print;
satirical print
- Museum number
- 1868,0808.8904
- Title
- Object: Mrs Greece and her rough lovers
- Description
-
Greece is short, plump, and bejewelled, in Greek costume, with open fur-bordered robe over wide ankle-length petticoats. Above her tower, one on each side, a ferocious Turk (the Sultan) who holds a noose of rope round her neck and raises a scimitar to strike her down, and an equally savage but less out-spoken Russian (the Tsar). The Turk (left) has a large book, Alcoran, and a dagger under his sash; he says: Blood and fire Madam down on your knees and beg My Sublime pardon. The Tsar (right) has Kalmuck features, bushy eyebrows, beard, and moustache and wears uniform with decorations. Under his sash is a book: Russian Politics or Self-intrest. His right arm is extended above her head holding a pistol pointed at the Sultan. Behind his back he holds a scourge inscribed Imperial Knout. Leaning over her, he says: Leave that ugly old Ruffian and I'll manage your affairs My pretty Dear. She looks up terrified, exclaiming: !Oh—lord Gentlemen I'd rather have nothing to say to either of you.
In the background (left) is a ruined and blazing church; beside it a Turk with raised scimitar pursues a woman fleeing with her infant. As a pendant to this (right) is a group of spectators: a French officer, sword in hand (probably Charles X), points to Mrs. Greece and turns to a stout Englishman in top-boots, saying, By Gar Jean Bull Old Nic [Nicholas I]—vill have her. John has one finger pressed against his nose, his left hand in his breeches-pocket; he answers with a scowl: That would be the Devil. Two military officers stand with them, watching, one with his hands resting on his sheathed sword; they probably represent Austria and Prussia. See BM Satires No. 15552, &c. 1828
Etching
- Production date
- 1828
- Dimensions
-
Height: 253 millimetres
-
Width: 355 millimetres
- $Inscriptions
-
- Curator's comments
- (Description from M. Dorothy George, 'Catalogue of Political and Personal Satires in the British Museum', XI, 1954)
- Location
- Not on display
- Acquisition date
- 1868
- Department
- Prints and Drawings
- Registration number
- 1868,0808.8904