THE RECRUITING SERJEANT or BRITANNIAIS Happy PROSPECT.

Date1757

MediumBlack and white line engraving with period hand color

DimensionsOH: 10 1/2" x OW: 16"; Plate H: 7 3/4" x W: 13 3/4"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1960-34

DescriptionA recruiting party headed by "Serjeant" Henry Fox, carrying a halberd and holding ribbons inscribed with different remarks leads the line. Next comes the drummer, Mr. Welbore Ellis, Vice-Treasury of Ireland and agent for Mr. Fox. Next is a recruit, the Earl of Sandwich carrying on his shoulder a cricket-bat, knapsack & c. Mr. Bubb Doddington, whose crimson coat is engraved with fleur-de-lis, waddles after puffing. The Earl of Winchelsea stands with his back to us, carrying over his shoulder a paddle-shaped rudder. He is looking to the background where the fleet in full sail appears. Within a circular temple to the right is a statue of the Duke of Cumberland, fat and in a vain attitude.
InscribedLEONARDO.DA.VINCI INVT.
[Colonial Williamsburg's copy includes the fictitious name in dotted letters; it does not appear on the British Museum copy.]
ProvenanceEx collection: H. Dunscombe Colt.