Dimensions: Frame is 38 x 48 cm. This is a rare early 19th-century satirical print relating to the European Royal accession question in the 1830s. It came from a small collection of prints relating to Greek and Ottoman History which belonged to the historian William St Clair (1937 - 2021).
It was made by John Phillips (aka Sharpshooter, who often pirated works by William Heath) and published in 1830 by S. Gans, The Strand, London. Phillips also provided illustrations for Punch.
The image shows Prince Leopold as a charity schoolboy. He wears a badge inscribed £50,000 and stands wiping a teary eye with his knuckles. He points to the Greek Crown having accepted the Belgian one instead of it. The Duke of Wellington stands to the left. He is dressed as a schoolmaster and holds a large birch rod. He points to the fallen crown and says: I'll teach you how to decline a Greek Article, Sirrah—What do you have that Badge for think you.
To the right, we have figures representing the Russian Tsar, Nicholas I, who is bearded like a Cossack. He leans toward Charles X of France. The Tsar pulls him in and whispers: 'What do you think of him now, Mounseer'. The French King is alarmed and stares nervously at Wellington.
The " little pickle" referred to in the title is the schoolboy in the comic farce of the 'Spoiled Child' (attributed to Mrs. Jordan).
It is an etching with its original hand colouring. It is sold as an original early 19th-century impression - and it is not a later reproduction.
An impression is in the British Museum, London. Another impression is in the Library of Congress in Washington. Again, another very scarce print - which is reflected in my asking price.
Condition: Sold with new window mount and simple black frame. The print is in good condition with no tears, spotting or discolouration to the sheet - the hand colouring of the etching is original to the print. I have taken a number of images for you to assess the condition and details.
Dimensions: Frame size is 38 x 48 cm. The image size is 24 x 35 cm
UK Posting Only. The cost to post will be £10 for Special Next Day Delivery This will be applied to your order at the checkout.