Revolution Anniversary or, Patriotic Incantations (BM 1868,0808.6083 1)

Priestley, Fox, Towers, and Sheridan, holding hands, dance round a cauldron; the steam (inscribed 'French Spirits') forms a broad column in the centre of the design. All wear large favours on their breasts. The cauldron is ornamented by an anchor (signifying Hope) superimposed on a trophy of pikes, sabres, and other munitions of war, with a flag of 'Liberty'. In the steam is a crown, upside-down, which has been expelled from its place as part of the sign of the Crown and Anchor tavern (represented by the cauldron). Two little demons sit against the sides of the cauldron blowing pipes, two others (left and right) beat drums. Priestley is on the extreme left, a book: 'Rights of Men' (cf. BMSat 7867, &c.) in his right hand; his left holds Fox's right hand. He sings:

"Oh! choice Spirit of dauntless Paine

Make, make our Cauldron blase again."

Fox sings:

"Around! around in Chaotic Dance,

We step to tune of free-made France;

And when the Hurly-burly's done,

And all Ranks confounded in One;

Oh! how we will Sing and Caper,

If Cash we can make with Paper."

Dr. Towers and Fox hold hands, their arms concealed by the smoke from the cauldrons. Towers sings:

"With brave resolves in spite of B------[Burke]

We'll complete the glorious Work;

Oh! ye Spirits of discord arise,

And scatter our lordly enemies."

Sheridan is on the extreme right; in his left hand is a book: 'Drury's Prompt Book. Cauldron Scene Macbeth.' He holds Towers' left hand, singing:

"Bauble! Bauble melt with trouble!

Fire burn, and Nation bubble;

And hither ye discontented come,

To the Tat, tat, tat, too of our Drum."

He wears a grenadier's cap, on which is a skull and cross-bones, and 'Conquer or Die. Constitution. Revolution'. At his feet is a paper: 'Crown and Anchor. Invitat[ion]'.

On the wall, which forms a background, are four pictures, each with a special application to the man beneath it: 'Fanaticism' (above Priestley): a devil burns a church and tramples on a mitre. 'Wat Tyler' (above Fox): Tyler on horseback addresses a mob waving clubs and hats and shouting "Huzza Wat for ever. Republicism:" Dr. Towers smashes the crown and sceptre with an axe. 'Jack Cade' (above Sheridan): Cade directs a band of men who are slaughtering a fleeing crowd. On the wall is also a placard: 'Ordered That no Cockades be worn on the 14th but that Favors of Freedom be placed nearest the Heart - also that no comparisons be made nor a word said about the thing we celebrate.' 12 July 1791

Etching

satirical print great britain british museum british art 1791 birmingham riots charles james fox joseph priestley in art joseph towers richard brinsley sheridan satirical prints in the british museum flag high resolution

1791

British Museum

https://www.britishmuseum.org/

public domain