Modern hospitality, or a friendly party in high life

Gillray, James, 1756-1815 · March 31, 1792

A scene at a faro-table. Part of the table, including an angle of the central well, stretches across the foreground and players and spectators sit and stand behind it. Lady Archer is the most prominent; she holds a pack of cards in one hand, a knave in the other, looking with a triumphantly rapacious smile at a stout lady (? Mrs. Hobart) who sits (right) clenching her fists and scowling back. All the others have expressions of alarm or concern, the least agitated being the Prince of Wales, seated on Lady Archer's left. On the extreme right, and next to Mrs. Hobart, is Fox, turning up his eyes. The guests (except the Prince) are much caricatured. One of Gillray's witch-like hags sits between the Prince and Mrs. Hobart. On the table are heaps of coins, notes or bills, and rouleaux of guineas. Above the design is etched "The Knave wins all." The title continues, "To those earthly Divinities who charmed 20 Years ago, this Honorable method of banishing mortifying reflections, is dedicated. O Woman! Woman! everlasting is your power over us, for in youth you charm our Hearts, and in your after-years you charm away our Purses" (BM).