'The lover's dream'

1 portrait of Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz

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'The lover's dream'

by James Gillray, published by Hannah Humphrey
hand-coloured etching and aquatint, published 24 January 1795
12 1/4 in. x 16 1/4 in. (311 mm x 412 mm) paper size
Purchased, 1947
Reference Collection
NPG D12515

Artistsback to top

  • James Gillray (1756-1815), Caricaturist. Artist or producer associated with 887 portraits, Sitter in 7 portraits.
  • Hannah Humphrey (circa 1745-1818), Publisher and printseller. Artist or producer associated with 720 portraits, Sitter in 1 portrait.

Sittersback to top

This portraitback to top

The Prince of Wales sleeps, clasping his pillow with a blissful expression as he dreams of the pleasures of his forthcoming marriage to Caroline of Brunswick. A beautiful vision of her hovers above him, accompanied by Cupid and a winged cherub. At the other side of the bed George III and Queen Charlotte appear. His parents' offer of a bag of money refers to the King's promise to settle his son's large debts as part of the marriage agreement. Behind them a group embodying the Prince's vices flees at the sight of his approaching bride and apparent new-found virtue. They include his secret wife Mrs Fitzherbert, his mistress, Lady Jersey, Lord Derby as Bacchus astride a barrel of port and opposition leader Charles James Fox throwing dice. In fact the bridal couple had not yet met and the Prince needed a stiff drink when they did. Although George went through with the ceremony, the marriage was to prove disastrous.

Placesback to top

Events of 1795back to top

Current affairs

George, Prince of Wales is forced to marry Caroline Amelia Elizabeth of Brunswick, despite having secretly married Maria Fitzherbert in 1785.
Widespread rioting prompts the introduction of the Speenhamland system of welfare supplements which are linked to the price of bread.
Treasonable Practices Act is passed against open criticism of government.

Art and science

The MP Matthew Gregory 'Monk' Lewis publishes his notorious gothic novel The Monk to success and scandal because of its immoral content.
Mungo Park explores the course of the River Niger.

International

Wolfe Tone, founder of The Society of United Irishmen, departs for America after being implicated in high treason in Ireland. Exiled in Philadelphia, he soon leaves for France to ask revolutionaries for assistance.
Joseph Haydn composes the English Canzonettas during his second stay in London.

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