print;
satirical print
- Museum number
- 1990,1109.21
- Title
- Object: The Clarke Cutter, or rowing in the same boat.
- Description
-
Plate numbered 101; the Duke of York and Wardle in a rowing boat, 'The Clarke Cutter', with Mrs Clarke, barebreasted, as a figurehead, rowing to right on a rough sea, the 'Sea of Disapprobation', tossed by the 'Storm of Public Opinion', from which they are fleeing; the boat is lettered 'Honi soit qui mal y pense' and is stashed with papers, lettered 'Love letters / Mrs. Clarkes Establishment / Cobbetts Hum-bugs / Bills for Furniture'. Behind the figure of Mrs Clarke, a 'Gold Vase' and bags lettered 'Popularity / Votes of thanks'. At right are gathering fish, 'Gudgeons', and perhaps a seal, identified variously as 'Wright / Sandon / Clavering / O Meira [?]'. The duke says, 'Pull on - pull on Mess-mate here is a devil of a storm coming on - little did I think I should row in the same Boat with you.' Wardle replies, 'Would it not be the best way to throw the cargo overboard brother Tug?' 29 July 1809
Hand-coloured etching with stipple
- Production date
- 1809
- Dimensions
-
Height: 241 millimetres (cropped)
-
Width: 353 millimetres (cropped)
- $Inscriptions
-
- Curator's comments
- A satire on the repercussions of the duke's affair with Mary Anne Clarke. Wardle induced the parliamentary investigation in February-March 1809 into army corruption; Sandon and Clavering were produced as witnesses against the duke, see BM Satires 11247, 11526. For Rev O'Meara, who apparently sought Mrs Clarke's favour for a bishopric, see BM Satires 11258, 11526. Francis Wright, an upholsterer, brought an action against Wardle on 3rd July 1809, Wardle having secretly undertaken to furnish Mrs Clarke's house in Westbourne Place in exchange for her cooperation; see BM Satires 11341-11351. Cobbett supported Wardle, who was discredited after the success of Wright's action.
- Location
- Not on display
- Acquisition date
- 1990
- Department
- Prints and Drawings
- Registration number
- 1990,1109.21
