print;
satirical print
- Museum number
- 1868,0808.8910
- Title
- Object: The speech
- Description
-
The throne (right), on a circular dais, stands on a rock, Rock of Protestant Ascendancy, which projects into the sea. Across a narrow channel is a corner of Ireland (left), a green mound, on which stands O'Connell, in wig and gown. From a crown on the back of the throne extend rays of light directed upon Ireland, within which O'Connell stands, flinching back; they contain the words 'The Association is Unconstitutional &c &c &c.' He says: 'Faith I'm bothered' [cf. BM Satires No. 8141], and puts one foot tentatively on a plank leading to an open boat in which sits the Pope. The latter holds erect an oar inscribed 'Scarlet OAR' [whore], and says: 'Come along Dan you see the wind is begining to blow from the wrong quater [sic], we must make haste'. The boat has a flag inscribed 'Emancipation'. The waves dash against the Irish coast, where there is a huge eye, 'Ireland's Eye', the pupil turned up towards O'Connell. From under the throne projects a bulky document inscribed Coron[ation] Oath'. The arms of the throne are figures of Britannia supported on a lion's head.
Hand-coloured etching
- Production date
- 1828-1830
- Dimensions
-
Height: 257 millimetres
-
Width: 368 millimetres
- $Inscriptions
-
- Curator's comments
- (Description and comment from M. Dorothy George, 'Catalogue of Political and Personal Satires in the British Museum', XI, 1954)
This interpretation of the clause in the King's Speech (5 Feb.) announcing the suppression of the Catholic Association (see Nos. 15681, 15704) as implying opposition to Emancipation reverses the facts: the Speech showed that Emancipation had been accepted, removing the Association's raison d'être; the suppression was primarily a sop to the Tories. See Greville, Memoirs, 1938, i. 248. The Coronation Oath had been the basis of George III's opposition to Emancipation, see No. 10709, &c, and was much exploited by George IV (instigated by Eldon, cf. No. 15680, and Cumberland). For the Coronation Oath in 1779-80 cf. No. 5534; in 1827, No. 15388; in 1829, Nos. 15719, 15730. For the King's Speech see also No. 15706
- Location
- Not on display
- Acquisition date
- 1868
- Department
- Prints and Drawings
- Registration number
- 1868,0808.8910