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'Wierd sisters; ministers of darkness; minions of the moon'

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'Wierd sisters; ministers of darkness; minions of the moon'

by James Gillray, published by Hannah Humphrey
hand-coloured etching and aquatint, published 23 December 1791
10 in. x 13 7/8 in. (253 mm x 352 mm) paper size
Purchased, 1947
Reference Collection
NPG D12436

Sittersback to top

Artistsback to top

  • James Gillray (1756-1815), Caricaturist. Artist associated with 881 portraits, Sitter in 7 portraits.
  • Hannah Humphrey (circa 1745-1818), Publisher and printseller. Artist associated with 719 portraits, Sitter in 1 portrait.

This portraitback to top

A burlesque of Fuseli's scene from Macbeth. Dundas, Pitt and Thurlow gaze at the moon (Queen Charlotte with George III in eclipse). This print is said to have first appeared during the King's illness which led to the Regency crisis of Feburary 1789. Dundas was Home Secretary; Pitt later got rid of Thurlow, the Lord Chancellor, form the Cabinet.

Placesback to top

Linked displays and exhibitionsback to top

Portrait setback to top

Subjects & Themesback to top

Events of 1791back to top

Current affairs

Thomas Paine publishes his inflammatory and widely read Rights of Man in response to Edmund Burke's Reflections on the Revolution in France of the previous year. The work advocates radical revolution and prompts a trial for seditious libel that takes place in his absence.
The Catholic Relief Act is passed, repealing the most severe penal laws.

Art and science

Astronomer William Herschel discovers Uranus.
Robert Burns publishes Tam O'Shanter, combining the Scottish vernacular with the formal traditions of classical English poetry and exploring radical ideas of freedom.
The Observer newspaper is founded.
The Ordnance Survey is set up to prepare detailed maps of the country.

International

Mozart composes The Magic Flute.
The Declaration of the Rights of Man establishes liberal freedoms in France
The French Constitution is passed by the National Assembly.
Louis XVI flees Paris with his family but is captured at Varennes.
William Pitt declares Britain will remain neutral in any war against France.

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