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1 of 253523 objects
Monogrammist G M
The Rival Candidates and their Old Supporters c. 1784
Pen and watercolour | 19.3 x 27.7 cm (sheet of paper) | RCIN 917693
Monogrammist G M
The Rival Candidates and their Old Supporters c. 1784
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A pen and ink and watercolour drawing in the style of a caricature, depicting the supporters of two candidates in the seat of the City of Westminster during the general election of 1784. Charles Fox is on the right, accompanied by chimney sweeps wearing the Phrygian cap and tricolore rosette of the French revolutionaries, and Lord Hood on the left, accompanied by groups of soldiers. St Paul's Church, Covent Garden and a fight are depicted in the background. Inscribed below with the title, and annotated 'Lord Hood' and 'Charles Fox' under each group. Also annotated 'Original Drawing never published' and with a monogram 'G.M.' or 'G.M.L' lower right.
The drawing depicts the fierce contest that took place during the election campaign of 1784, in which Charles Fox, Cecil James Wray and Rear Admiral Lord Hood all stood for election in the closely-contested seat of the City of Westminster. On 1 April there was a hustings in Covent Garden, when a large crowd gathered in the square bearing flags and banners in support of all three candidates. The three men took to the stage to deliver speeches in a febrile atmosphere, and the hustings was followed by several weeks of violence and disorder by supporters of all three candidates that was closely followed by the national press. Although George III supported Wray and Hood, George, Prince of Wales supported the Whig candidate Fox. The election was eventually won by Hood.
A drawing of the same election by Robert Dighton is RCIN 913416. The artist who made this drawing, apparently intended for a print, is not known. The monogram may refer to Lord George Murray, for whom there is a print after by Rowlandson in the British Museum. -
Creator(s)
(artist)(artist) -
Medium and techniques
Pen and watercolour
Measurements
19.3 x 27.7 cm (sheet of paper)
Object type(s)
Other number(s)
RL 17693