Gillray, James (1756 – 1815) – ‘Wierd Sisters; Minister’s of Darkness; Minions of the Moon’.

'Wierd Sisters; Minister's of Darkness; Minions of the Moon'. Hand coloured etching and aquatint. 'Pubd Decr 23d 1791 by H. Humphrey No 18, Old Bond Street'. Dedicated at the top of the plate 'To H: Fuzelli Esqr this attempt in the Caricatura-Sublime, is respectfully dedicated'. One of Gillray's most famous prints, this is a satire of the Regency Crisis of 1788/89 and a play on Fuseli's famous painting of the three witches (Exh. R.A. 1783). In place of the witches are Dundas, Pitt, and Thurlow. In the moon are the faces of Queen Charlotte (the new moon brightly lit) and the King (the old moon in the dark). The 'Witches' are uncertain of the future and hold their finger's to their lips. They look to their patron the Queen in the hope that she, rather than the Prince of Wales, will take control of the monarchy in the King's 'absence'. 10.5x14.5 inches.