Frying Sprats

Date1791

Artist/Maker James Gillray

MediumAquatint with engraving and etching and period color

DimensionsOH: 9 1/4" x OW: 6" (trimmed to the platemark)

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1957-32

DescriptionLower margin reads: "London. Pub.d Nov.r 28th 1791 by H. Humphrey N.o 18 Old Bond Street/ FRYING SPRATS_,/ Vide. Royal Supper./ "Ah! sure a pair was never seen,"
Label TextThe Queen, much caricatured, sits over a fire in profile to the right, toasting sprats on a gridiron (then called a saveall): a plate of fish stands on a high trivet beside her. She wears over-sleeves, a check apron over an under-petticoat on which hangs a pocket, bulging with guineas, but patched. This is one of the many attacks on the King and Queen for miserliness.
MarkingsLondon, Pubd Novr 28th 1791 by H. Humphrey No. 18, Old Bond Street