Gillray, James (1756 – 1815) – ‘Comfort’s of a Bed of Roses’.

'Comfort's of a Bed of Roses'. Etching and Aquatint. 'Pubd April 21st 1806, by H. Humphrey, 27, St James's Street'. Fox, asleep in bed with his wife and wearing a Bonnet Rouge, is taken hold of by Napoleon and the ghost of Pitt. Behind Napoleon are the 'Horrors of Invasion'. Above Fox is an eagle with a tricolour collar that reads 'Prussia hovers menacingly over Fox'. From under the bed come roses and thorns on which are inscribed the subjects of division within the Ministry. Dorothy George identifies the subject of this print as Windam's plan to reorganise the army and his argument with Castleraegh, who defended Pitt's system. In parliament Castlereagh stated that given " ... the difficulties and embarrassments under which they are disposed to represent themselves ... [they] may be considered as on a Bed of Roses!" Fox answered " ... Really it is insulting, to tell me I am on a bed of roses, when I feel myself torn and stung by brambles and nettles, whichever way I turn". 10.5x14 inches.