February 1, 1803. Signiora Squallina. February 1, 1803. Sweet Lullaby. February 1, 1803. Queer Fish. February 1, 1803. Recruits. (See 1811.) March 1, 1803. A Catamaran, or an Old Maid's Nursery. Published by T. Rowlandson, 1 James Street. March 1, 1803. Richmond Hill, after H. Bunbury. Published by R. Ackermann. March 1, 1803. Billiards, after H. Bunbury. Published by R. Ackermann. April 1, 1803. The Road to Ruin. Published by S. W. Fores. April 6, 1803. A Diver. T. Rowlandson invt., 1803. Published by R. Ackermann, 101 Strand.—The figure introduced under this title is perhaps as droll as any which Rowlandson has drawn. The scene represents the interior of a Bagnio, 'Hot and Cold Baths, cupping, sweating, &c., &c.' From the picture it would seem that the bath-attendants of the period, who administered the rough towellings and flesh brushings, which are indicated in the plate, were not of the sex one generally expects to find discharging these functions in our own day. In the case of The Diver no very glaring impropriety is suggested—the individual in question is like a ball of flesh; the image, on an exaggerated scale, of the Chinese joss-figures, and literally perfectly spherical; his quaint image is reflected in the water as he plunges forward in a sort of cricket-ball bound; a print of Narcissus gazing on his form in the fountain, suspended on the wall, suggests a sufficiently striking contrast. April 12, 1803. Ducking a Scold. May 1, 1803. John Bull Listening to the Quarrels of State Affairs. (Treaty of Amiens.) Published by R. Ackermann.—John Bull, with his hair standing on end, is listening, stooping, with his hands on his knees—'I declare my very wig stands on end with curiosity. What can they be quarrelling about? Oh that I could be let into the secret! If I ax our gentleman concerning it, 'tis ten to one if he tells me the right story. Buonaparte, with his cocked hat on, and his great sword by his side, is insisting on his arguments, 'And so—if June 21, 1803. A Snug Cabin, or Port Admiral. (See June 21, 1808.) July 1, 1803. A Stage Coach. July 10, 1803. Flags of Truth and Lies. Published by R. Ackermann.—John Bull, as an honest Jack Tar, is holding out the Union Jack, and pointing to his inscription in reply to the message of intimidation set forth on the tricolour, held out by a huge-booted, long-queued Frenchman, a composite being between a soldier and postilion:—'Citizen First Consul Buonaparte presents compliments and thanks to the Ladies and Gentlemen of Great Britain, who have honoured him with their visits at Paris, and intends himself the pleasure of returning it in person as soon as his arrangements for that purpose can be completed.' 'Mon grand MaÎtre, bid a you read dat, Monsieur.' John Bull replies: 'Um, let your Grand Master read that, Mounseer':—'John Bull does not rightly understand the Chief Consul's lingo, but supposes he means something about invasion; therefore the said John Bull deems it necessary to observe that if his consular Highness dares attempt to invade any ladies or gentlemen on his coast, he'll be damned if he don't sink him!' |