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The first Kiss this Ten Years! -or- the meeting of Britannia & Citizen Francois, 1 January 1803

 Item — Box: LF104/7 Box 1
Reference code: LF104/7/2
The first Kiss this Ten Years! -or- the meeting of Britannia & Citizen Francois, 1 January 1803
The first Kiss this Ten Years! -or- the meeting of Britannia & Citizen Francois, 1 January 1803

Scope and Contents

Artist: James Gillray. Published: Hannah Humphrey. Britannia (right), fat, good-natured, and richly dressed, holding a fan, is kissed by a tall lean French military officer who bends forward, holding her below the shoulders. He is war-worn, his pigtail stands awkwardly erect and his hair straggles over his face, while the crown of his head is almost bald, as if plucked. He wears jackboots ; his hat and sword lie on the ground beside him. She is almost spherical; her shield and trident, replacing the usual spear, lean against the wall behind her and out of sight. He says: "Madame, permittez me, to pay my profound esteem to your engaging person! & to seal on your divine Lips my everlasting attachment!!!" A cynical and sensual grin indicates the character of his advances. She smiles with coy complacency, saying, "Monsieur, you are truly a well-bred Gentleman! - & tho' you make me blush, yet, you Kiss so delicately, that I cannot refuse you; tho' I was sure you would Deceive me again!!!" Above their heads are oval bust portraits of Napoleon (left) and George III (right), the two men extending their arms as if to shake hands; the King scowls, Napoleon regards him with brooding suspicion. The frames are bordered by olive branches and palm-branches. Description from the British Museum.

Dates

  • Creation: 1 January 1803

Conditions Governing Access

Physical item available by appointment in our Reading Room

Extent

1.0 Item(s)

Language of Materials

English