The gradual abolition off the slave trade. Or leaving of sugar by degrees. (BM 1868,0808.6182)
Summary
The King and Queen sit side by side, facing the spectator, behind a circular breakfast-table; two Princesses are on the King's right, Mrs. Schwellenburg on the Queen's left, the figures being three-quarter length. and the surface of the table filling the centre foreground. Princess Elizabeth, in profile to the right, holds out her cup, saying, "Indeed papa, I cant leave of a good thing so soon, I am sure of late I have been very moderate, but I must have a bit now & then." The King, who wears a nightcap and holds a brimming saucer in one hand, a cup whose contents he is spilling in the other, answers, "Poo Poo Poo, leave it off at once, you know I have never Drank any since I was married Lizie." Her sister, on the extreme left, turns her head away in disgust, saying, "for my Part I'd rather Want alltogether than have a small Peice." The Queen, much caricatured, wearing a plain cap and morning gown, takes tiny pieces of sugar from a basin to weigh them in a small pair of scales, like those used for weighing guineas (cf. BMSat 8117), which she holds between finger and thumb; she grins delightedly, looking at Mrs. Schwellenberg, and saying, "Now my Dear's only an ickle Bit, do but tink on de Negro girl dat Captain Kimber treated so cruelly ha, Madam Swelly & Rum too." Mrs. Schwellenberg (right), grasping a bottle of Brandy in both hands, answers, "oh to be sure I was taken but an ickle at a time, an ickle and often you know & as for de Rum I dont care about it. good Coniac will make shift aha !!" In the shadow between the Queen and her Keeper of Robes is a face gaping at the table, perhaps intended for a younger princess. On the table are a small tea-pot and cream jug on an oval tray, and two piles of muffins. 15 April 1792.
Hand-coloured etching