King William IV and an unknown woman ('Wouski')
© National Portrait Gallery, London
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King William IV and an unknown woman ('Wouski')
by James Gillray, published by Hannah Humphrey
hand-coloured etching, published 23 January 1788
7 3/4 in. x 10 3/4 in. (198 mm x 272 mm) plate size; 8 5/8 in. x 11 5/8 in. (218 mm x 296 mm) paper size
Purchased, 1947
Reference Collection
NPG D12290
Sitterback to top
- King William IV (1765-1837), Reigned 1830-37. Sitter associated with 175 portraits.
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 719 portraits, Sitter in 1 portrait.
This portraitback to top
This is a historical work of art which reflects the attitudes and viewpoints of the time in which it was made. Whilst these may differ from today's attitudes, this image is an important historical document.
Despite the future monarch's reputation for womanising, this provocative image of Prince William enjoying an amorous embrace with a black woman aboard his ship the Pegasus would have been daring. The title of the work is derived from a character in George Colman’s popular comic opera Inkle and Yarico (1787).
'Wowski' was the name of the black female servant to the black heroine Yarico, both of whom experience inter-racial relationships with white men, but with different outcomes. The quotation inscribed on the print is from another play, Theodosius, or The Force of Love (1680) by Nathaniel Lee, and serves to illustrate rumours of the prince's reckless and irresponsible behaviour with mistresses whilst in the colonies. The implication is that the encounter will not end happily for the woman embracing the prince.
Events of 1788back to top
Current affairs
Parliament begins an investigation into the slave trade, led by reformers Thomas Clarkson and William Wilberforce.Regency Crisis; George III's madness is announced provoking a political storm.
Former Governor-General of Bengal Warren Hastings' trial begins before the House of Lords.
Henry Benedict Stuart becomes the new Stuart claimant to the British throne.
Art and science
Artist Thomas Gainsborough dies.First edition of The Times newspaper is published in London.
Scottish engineer and inventor William Symington demonstrates the first paddle steamer on Dalswinton Loch near Dumfries.
Robert Burns writes his version of the Scots poem Auld Lang Syne.
International
Ministers of the French King, Louis XVI, reluctantly announce that the Estates General will meet the following year, for the first time since 1614.United States constitution comes into force when New Hampshire becomes the ninth state to ratify it.
First Fleet reaches Australia, anchoring in Botany Bay. Arthur Phillip, selecting a suitable site for the first Australian penal colony, names the place Sydney Cove.
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