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Direct scan of object
Changing Places;__alias FOX stinking the BADGER out of his Nest.
Direct scan of object

Changing Places;__alias FOX stinking the BADGER out of his Nest.

DateMarch 22, 1782
Attributed to James Gillray
Publisher William Humphrey
OriginEngland
MediumBlack and white line engraving
DimensionsOH: 8" x OW: 11 3/4"
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1960-98
DescriptionLord North's ministry fell on March 20, 1782. Charles Fox became foreign secretary in the new government formed under Rockingham. Within two days, William Humphrey published this clever satire, which is firmly attributed to Gillray. A badger, North, identified by his compass head, has emerged from a cave and is sent fleeing in the direction of Tower Hill by a fox (Charles Fox) who farts "ELOQUENCE" at him, a reference to his famous oratorical ability.

On the ground near the animals are symbols of England's growing financial problems. A "Budget" bag containing soap and beer, referring to two of North's last unsuccessful tax proposals, lies open beside him. A sack, "Faro Bank," spills coins beneath Fox. His personal monetary success after establishing a gaming house noted for that pastime raised hopes that Fox might conceive of a similar profitable scheme to rescue England from fiscal problems.

Two other satiric representations add interest to the work. To the rear left stands a statue of "Janus," two-headed god of beginnings; one side shows a bearded old man (the defeated North) and the other a fox's head (Fox). At the rear right George III is hunting. However, he has been unseated over the last hurdle and is losing his crown, symbolic of the popular hope that he might be deposed.
ProvenanceEx coll: H. Dunscombe Colt. Other known copies: Halsy collection at Brown; Peel collection at the Morgan Library ( colored and with Humphrey publication); Walpole collection at New York Public Library with the Holt publication line) New York Public Library Collection.