Gillray, James (1756 – 1815) – ‘End of the Irish farce of Catholic Emancipation’.

'End of the Irish farce of Catholic Emancipation'. Hand coloured etching and aquatint. A lengthy quotation from Paradise Lost sits in the title line. 'Pubd May 17th 1805 by H. Humphrey, 27, St James's Street'. The Irish petition for Catholic Emancipation introduced by Grenville and Fox was soundly defeated in both Houses. A procession of petitioners led by Grenville (in bishop's robes), Buckingham (a monk), Moira and Fox (a Cardinal on an Irish Bull wearing a medal showing Buonaparte) proceed over a globe showing England and Ireland. They attempt to climb golden stairs leading to St Peter and a doorway labelled 'Popish Supremacy', but are prevented by Pitt, Hawkesbury and Sidmouth who blow them back. Behind Fox, are Grattan, Sheridan (holding a monstrance with the inital 'N' for Napoleon), Grey, Holland and Petty. In the foreground, are Clarence (holding a chamber pot of Holy water), Bedford (holding a book that reads 'Transubstantiation or Oil-Cake turn'd into real Mutton') and Norfolk (filling a chalice with Porter). In the sky, God holds scales showing the balance of 'Truth' over the Papal Crown. Below this, the Catholic Emancipation petition, an altar, vestments, relics and papers are cast into the air. 15x18 inches.