THE HISTORICAL PAINTER.

DateFebruary 10, 1784

Engraver W. Dent

Publisher J. Cattermoul

OriginEngland, London

MediumBlack and white etching with period hand color

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

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1960-115

DescriptionThe lower margin reads: "THE HISTORICAL PAINTER./ Pub.d as the Act directs, by J. Cattermoul, N.o 376, Oxford Street, Feb. 10.th 1784."

Attired in a seventeenth-century dress symbolic of Cromwell, Fox, whose plumed hat proclaims him a man of moderation, is painting a picture of the execution of Charles I, using his scepter for a brush and the bottom of a crown for the palette. Justice, eyes fully open to Fox's political policies, stands with sword upraised ready to strike him from behind. In her other hand, she holds a scale. A small fox sitting in one pan is outweighed by "Loyalty" in the other. A partly unsheathed sword inscribed "Commonwealth” and a book "Patriotism by C Cromwell" lie on the floor by Fox. A cat crouches beside them. On the wall hangs a painting of a standing fox presenting an Indian, America, with a document labeled "Independence."
ProvenanceEx coll: H. Dunscombe Holt. Other known copies: Peel collection at the Morgan Library (B.M. copy)