ARGUS.

DateMay 15, 1780

Attributed to James Gillray

Publisher W. Renegal

OriginEngland

MediumBlack and white etching

DimensionsOH: 10 3/8" x OW: 15"; Plate H: 9 1/4" x W: 13 1/4"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1960-79

DescriptionThe lower margin reads: "ARGUS./ Pub.d May 15.th 1780, by W. Renegal."

This satire attributed to Gillray comments on George III's reluctance to deal effectively with English problems. Fully attired in his royal robes, a sleeping monarch allows government leaders to usurp the symbols of his power. Mansfield, in a judge's robe, removes the king's crown. He is observed by the Scotsman Bute, who holds the king's scepter and is aided by a figure whose speech suggests that he is also Scottish, probably Alexander Wedderburn, the attorney general. Observing the scene from the rear is America, a male Indian, who comments: "We in America have no Crown to Fight for or Loose."

Britannia, a despairing female, sits to one side, badly torn maps of Great Britain and America at her feet. To the left a ragged unidentified Englishman suggests widespread commercial ruin, while just behind him Ireland walks away declaring his independence.

In the right rear a Dutchman runs away with two bee hives that symbolize the commercial wealth Holland has gained at Britain's expense.
ProvenanceEx coll: H. Dunscombe Colt. Other known copies: Halsey collection at Brown; Peel collection (colored) at the Morgan Library; and the New York Public library collection.