The King of Brobdingnag and Gulliver. (Plate 2)

Gillray, James, 1756-1815 · February 10, 1804

The King and Queen sit on chairs of state intently watching a rectangular tank in which Napoleon as Gulliver sails his little boat, manoeuvring the single sail. Behind the King's chair Lord Salisbury stands stiffly, holding his wand of office; the gold key is attached to his coat-pocket. He has the straight shapeless legs that Gillray always gives him. Two princesses sit beside the tank on the Queen's r. Like the Queen, each holds up her fan. Two younger princesses stand behind. Two little pages (l.) blow violently at the sail to propel the boat, while a third laughs. Two beefeaters (r.) grin broadly. All are amused except the King and Queen, who are more serious. After the title: 'Scene - "Gulliver manœuvring with his little boat in the Cistern" (BM) / The amateur who designed this clever plate, is said to be the Lieut.-Colonel Bradyll, to whom we owe the other plate on the same subject. It probably owes something to the etching of Gillray (Wright/Evans).