ARTIST: John Nixon
PUBLISHER: Published by M. Smith, March 8, 1784; and sold at No. 46, in Fleet Street.
MEDIUM: Copper plate engraving,
DATE: 1784.
EDITION SIZE: Image 7 3/4 x 9 7/80 \" (19.7 x 25.2 cm) Sheet size 14 x 10 7/8" ""(35.8 x 27.8 cm)
DESCRIPTION: <strong>Neck or Nothing</strong><br><br> This Revolutionary War satirical image shows Lord North (left) Charles James Fox (right) as part of a large heraldic crest which rests on the back of King George III. North is shown with one foot on the King and holding a flag in his right hand inscribed "Coalition" with two demons depicted, in his left hand he is holding a flag with thirteen stripes, an allusion to the loss of the Colonies. Fox is holding a staff topped with a liberty cap while he also rests his foot upon the King. On top of the he crest are the back to back heads of North and Fox in profile, from their mouths comes a ribbon with the word 'Faction'. The motto which supports the figures of Fox, North, and I the king, is 'Neck or Nothing'. The thirteen striped flag forms part of the first quarter of the arms. The second quarter depicts gambling or games of chance. The 3rd quarter shows Britannia upside down. In the 4th quarter both North and Fox (shown cleverly as a fox) have been hung by the neck. <br><br> In the lower margin in printed key to the Coalition Arms. <br><br> <b>First Quarter. </b> A Standard with the Thirteen Stripes of the American States; Base, Edmund St Omer's [Burke], like a skilful Dentist, drawing the Teeth of a Lion. <br><br> <b>Second.</b> Quarterly, First and Fourth, Implements of Gambling; Sinister Chief, a declining Axe; Dexter base, the head of Charles, Martyr; Fesse Point Arms of H--ll—d. <br><br> <b>Third. </b> A Gallows, Two Halters charged Proper. <br><br> <b>Fourth.</b> Britannia Renversed. <br><br> <b>Crest.</b> Janus, with the motto Faction. <br><br> <b>Supporters.</b> Dexter, the Promoter of Independence with the Flag of Coalition. Sinister; the Man of the People, with a Liberty Cap worn Threadbare; both Supporters trampling on an injured------[King] who is extricating Himself from their Oppression.'<br><br> These Arms were given from the Herald’s Office to Two Men, for their many and distinguished Virtues. ‘Go and do Likewise.’
ADDITIONAL INFO:
CONDITION: Very good condition. B/W
REFERENCE: BM Satires #6441; Cresswell, American Revolution # 871.;
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