Mr. Foot and Mr. Weston in the characters of the President & Dr. Last

Date1769

After work by Johan Joseph Zoffany (1733 - 1810)

Engraver John Finlayson (ca. 1730 -ca. 1776)

OriginEngland, London

MediumMezzotint with line engraving

Dimensions20 1/2" x 25"; plate 18" x 22 1/4"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1941-217

DescriptionLower margin reads: J: Zoffany pinx.t/ Published Nov.r 30.th 1769./ J. Finlayson fec.t"
Label TextThis print depicts Scene 2 of Act 3 of Samuel Foote's play "The Devil Upon Two Sticks which was produced at the Haymarket Theatre in London in 1768. The character of Hellebore or The President, who was played by Foote, was a caricature of Sir William Browne, the President of the Royal College of Physicians, who is said to have enjoyed it so much that he presented his own muff for use. Thomas Foote, who produced, acted in, and wrote the play for the Haymarket Theatre, was was educated at Oxford but changed to the stage in 1747. He became a writer and mimic of great repute for satirizing individuals and events of London society. In 1766, his leg was amputated after a riding accident. Dr. Emanual Last, who is described in the play as "a shoe-maker by profession, a doctor by trade" was played by Thomas Weston. West was a son to the first cook of George III and became famous for low comedies at the Haymarket.

In the scene, Foote stands on right, gown over a black suit, right hand stretched out, stick in left hand, eye-glass round neck. Weston stands on the left, shoes in right hand, cop in left, looking at Foote. Behind them is a table on which is a microscope and muff, and next to it a chair.