The giant-factotum amusing himself.

Size 25cm x 36cm

Originally published by Hannah Humphrey etched by James Gillray from 'The Genuine Works of James Gillray, engraved by himself. Thomas McLean edition on heavy rag-paper from the original copper plates printed 1830.

William Pitt arrogantly bestrides the Speaker's chair, towering high above the galleries of the House. He plays cup (or rather spike) and ball with the globe, on which 'France' is disproportionately large, the British Isles small and obscure. His head is turned to the left towards his own followers, who crowd obsequiously towards his huge right foot which rests on the head of Wilberforce (papers inscribed 'Slave Trade' issuing from his pocket) and on the shoulder of the bulky and truculent Dundas, who wears Highland dress. Canning (the 'Trial of Betty Canning' projecting from his pocket) kneels to kiss the toe of his shoe. His left foot crushes the leaders of the Opposition: Erskine, Sheridan, Fox (all prostrate), and a fourth with up-stretched arms. M. A. Taylor, a tiny figure, with the legs of a chicken and wearing a bonnet-rouge, sprawls on the floor near Fox. The rest of the party raise their arms in dismay. The Speaker (Addington) looks up (raising his hat), as do the Clerks. Pitt's coat-pockets bulge like sacks; in one (left) are papers: 'Volunteers, 200000 Seamen, 150000 Regulars, Militia'; the other is stuffed with guineas, on this his left hand rests, holding a paper 'Resources for supporting the War'. 21 January 1797