SCRUB & ARCHER

DateAugust 1, 1783

Engraver John Boyne

Publisher William Humphrey

OriginEngland, London

MediumBlack and white etching

DimensionsOH: 8 1/4" x OW: 7 1/2"; Plate H: 7 3/8" x W: 6 7/8"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1960-111

DescriptionThe lower margin reads: "SCRUB & ARCHER/ ARCH.R And this Col. I am afraid has/ Converted the Affection of Your Perdita/ SCRUB Converted ay and perverted/ my Dear Friend for I am Afraid he has made/ her a Whore &c./ Pub 1 Aug. 1783 by W. Humphrey N.o 227 Strand."

John Boyne found the inspiration for this print in the characters of George Farquhar's popular play, "The Beaux' Stratagem", a comedy that deals with the fortunes of two friends, Scrub and Archer, and their escapades in love.

Fox, on the left in the guise of Scrub, and Lord North, on the right as Archer, two former political enemies, had united in a coalition government. Gipsy, a Lady's maid, represents Mrs. Perdita Robinson, who obviously is attempting to overhear what the two men are saying. On the wall is a print of Colonel Tarleton, who vied with Fox for Mrs. Robinson's attentions. The conversation is a clever double entendre because although it centers on the romantic entanglement, it also pokes fun at the new friendship.
ProvenanceEx coll: H. Dunscombe Colt. Other known copies: Peel collection at the Morgan Library; Walpole Collection at the New York Public Library.