High Spirits: The Comic Art of Thomas Rowlandson, Royal Collection
Critical of the Prince of Wales and his suitability to rule, this shows him being guided to a cracked, damaged throne by a cloven-hoofed Britannia. Commerce, bare-breasted and haggard, waves a glass of gin at lower left
Royal Collection Trust/© Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2013 Photograph: Royal Collection Trust / (C) Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2013
High Spirits: The Comic Art of Thomas Rowlandson, Royal Collection
This etching contrasts the physical stature and characters of its subjects as well as their social status – he is a doctor, she is a lady
Royal Collection Trust/© Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2013 Photograph: Royal Collection Trust / (C) Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2013
High Spirits: The Comic Art of Thomas Rowlandson, Royal Collection
In late 1788, George III developed a serious illness and became increasingly confused. By December, he was clearly unable to rule. It appeared that the Prince of Wales would need to govern as regent. Rowlandson contrasts the ailing King and his disrespectful son, who lurches drunk into the sickroom with his cronies Photograph: Royal Collection Trust / (C) Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2013
Royal Collection Trust/© Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2013. Photograph: Royal Collection Trust / (C) Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2013
High Spirits: The Comic Art of Thomas Rowlandson, Royal Collection
William Pitt proposed a regency settlement with firm restrictions on the regent's power on 16 January. Here, the prince is shown as a child (wearing the type of dress that boys would until they were breeched). He leans towards a crown but is restrained by Pitt, who pulls on leading ribbons. The implications that the prince was too weak to control the various factions was a damaging one
Royal Collection Trust/© Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2013 Photograph: Royal Collection Trust / (C) Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2013
High Spirits: The Comic Art of Thomas Rowlandson, Royal Collection
This was circulated as propaganda to counter the radical threat of invasion by France. It seeks to promote Britain over France by suggesting that British liberty is preferable
Royal Collection Trust/© Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2013 Photograph: Royal Collection Trust / (C) Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2013
