Rowlandson (Thomas)

, [William Humphrey], 1784.
thought to have been first published in May 1784, this plate was also issued as the frontispiece to the 2nd edition of William Humphrey’s ‘The History of the Westminster Election’, in 1785, where it replaced the plate titled ‘The Rival Candidates’. This oval composition depicts the Duchess of Devonshire, the most famous and influential supporter of Fox, in contemporary dress being presented by the two allegorical figures in classical dress, one holding the cap of liberty on a long staff, the other her heralding horn, at the foot of steps ascending to Britannia seated on a throne, who holds out a laurel wreath in her right arm towards the duchess. Below the title is inscribed, ‘”She smiles – Infused with a Fortitude from Heaven.” Vide Shakespeare Tempest’.

The Westminster Election proved a huge boost to Rowlandson’s burgeoning career as a caricaturist, the political upheaval providing ample opportunities for him to lampoon both Fox and Pitt, which he did with relish, happily responding to demand from both sides..
175 by 225mm (7 by 8¾ inches).