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The King of Brobdingnag and Gulliver (Plate. 2d), [1803 - 1804]

 Item — Box: LF104/7 Box 1
Reference code: LF104/7/62
The King of Brobdingnag and Gulliver (Plate. 2d), [1803 - 1804]
The King of Brobdingnag and Gulliver (Plate. 2d), [1803 - 1804]

Scope and Contents

Artist: James Gilray. After: Lt-Col Thomas Braddyll. Published: Hannah Humphrey. The King and Queen sit on chairs of state intently watching a rectangular tank in which Napoleon as Gulliver sails his little boat, manoeuvring the single sail. Behind the King's chair Lord Salisbury stands stiffly, holding his wand of office; the gold key is attached to his coat-pocket: he has the straight shapeless legs that Gillray always gives him. Two princesses sit beside the tank on the Queen's right; like the Queen, each holds up her fan. Two younger princesses stand behind. Two little pages (left) blow violently at the sail to propel the boat, while a third laughs. Two beefeaters (right) grin broadly. All are amused except the King and Queen, who are more serious. After the title: 'Scene - "Gulliver manoeuv'ring with his little-Boat in the Cistern." - Vide, Swifts Gulliver. "I often used to Row for my own diversion, as well as that of the Queen & her Ladies, who thought themselves well entertained with my skill & agility. Sometimes I would put up my Sail and shew my art, by steering starboard & larboard, - However, my attempts produced nothing else besides a loud laughter, which all the respect due to his Majesty from those about him could not make them contain. - This made me reflect, how vain an attempt it is for a man to endeavour to do himself honour among those, who are out of all degree of equality or comparison with him!!! - See, Voyage to Brobdingnag - '. Description from the British Museum.

Dates

  • Creation: [1803 - 1804]

Conditions Governing Access

Physical item available by appointment in our Reading Room

Extent

1.0 Item(s)

Language of Materials

English

Repository Details

Part of the Special Collections and Archives Repository

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