The fall of Dagon

Rowlandson, Thomas, 1756-1827 · January 4, 1784

The image of Dagon, which in this case is borrowed to typify the Coalition Ministers, has fallen from the overset Broad Bottom pedestal, and is in the posture described by the quotation ; its double-faced head wears the profiles of North and Fox. Tower Hill is represented in the background ; a scaffold is erected, and the public executioner is just bringing down his axe on the neck of a traitor-a delicate compliment to the heads of the late Administration John Bull has changed the sign of his house to The Axe, and he is composedly enjoying his pipe under its shadow.