Date of Printing: 1791 • Medium: Engraving (B&W) • Subject Category: Bizarre/Oddities • Signed: Unsigned • Period Created: Enlightenment (1700 - 1799) • Plate Size HxWxD cm: 30.5 x 21.2 • Leaf Paper Size HxW cm: 30.5 x 21.2 • Style: Original Vintage • Print on Verso: Blank on verso • Condition: Excellent • Edition Type: Single Print • Paper Type: Laid Paper, Watermarked • Framed: Print only
This is an extremely rare ORIGINAL broadsheet engraving of a dwarf, the Spruce Billy Beau, Prime Minister of Lilliput. Intended as a satire of the politican William Pitt, underneath it reads: " "A Tory I am -- and a very young man, Fix'd firm in my place, get me out if you can." This highly collectible piece is an original. The British Museum features one in its collection (later hand colored). Published by George Moutard Woodward, 1791.
William Pitt the Younger, PC (28 May 1759 – 23 January 1806) was a British politician of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. He became the youngest Prime Minister in 1783 at the age of 24. He left office in 1801, but was Prime Minister again from 1804 until his death in 1806. He was also the Chancellor of the Exchequer throughout his premiership. Born William Pitt, he is known as "the Younger" to distinguish him from his father, William Pitt the Elder, who had previously served as Prime Minister.
Holland, William, active 1782-1817, artist.