Dominic Winter Auctions
Lot 277
* Gillray (James). The Cabinetical-Balance. NB. The representation of, the astonishing strength & Influence of the Rays from the Rising-Sun, is taken from Sir Isaac Newtons Theory of Light, H. Humphrey, Feby. 16th. 1806, etched caricature with contemporary hand colouring, thread margins, slight toning, tipped on to later paper, 350 x 250 mm, mounted, framed and glazed, together with Rowlandson (Thomas). Dr Syntax Taking Possession of his Living, 1812, aquatint with contemporary hand colouring, slight staining, 120 x 190 mm, mounted, framed and glazed, with The Dance on Dun-Can, originally published in 'the Picturesque Beauties of Boswell', circa 1786 but later 19th-century impression, hand-coloured etching with explanatory text below image, 240 x 265 mm, mounted, framed and glazedQty: (3)NOTESThe first described caricature shows a pair of scales. Poised on the cross beam are Sidmouth and Ellenborough The former is depressing the balance with his foot whilst Ellenborough rides piggy-back on his shoulders. This lower scale contains the 'Broad-Bottomites' or New Opposition and the upper scale holds the 'No-Bottomites', the Foxites, or Old Opposition. Fox is the most prominent and is squeezed between Erskine and Grey with Moira, in a cocked hat and regimentals, stands stiffly behind. Fox and Grey have the revolutionary 'bonnets rouges' but do not wear them. The other bowl contains Grenville, one hand on his fat nephew Lord Temple and Windham waves his hat triumphantly. The scales are suspended above the curve of the globe on which Great Britain and Europe are mapped. On the distant horizon is a setting sun containing a royal crown through which the ghost of Pitt flies weeping. The setting sun's feeble rays are outshone by the heavy beams of the rising sun which are surmounted by the Prince of Wales's three feathers.
