MEDIUM: Engraving,
DATE: 1772.
EDITION SIZE: Image size 6 9/16 x 8 15/16" (16.7 x 22.7 cm).
DESCRIPTION: Printed as the Act directs, Jan. 1, 1772, and sold by the Printsellers. <br><br> This piece is based around a 1770 lawsuit between Earl Richard Grosvenor (plaintiff) and the Duke of Cumberland, Henry Frederick (defendant). The Duke was being sued for 100,000 pounds for "criminal conversation" with his wife, Countess Henrietta Grosvenor - the Duke of Cumberland had been caught in bed, partially disrobed, with his wife, whose dress was unbuttoned and her breasts laid bare. During the trial, the Duke claimed he held a "Bible Oath" and had never been in the lady's bedchamber (they had been caught at an inn). Investigations turned up many letters shared between the two. <br><br> "Squire Morgan" was one of many names the Duke went by when traveling. He was noted for playing the fool at inns and used his servant, Trusty, to distract people so he could have privacy with the Countess. <br><br> In this engraving, the Countess, breasts hanging bare, can be seen on ground, acting in alarm as her husband tries to help her up. The Duke of Cumberland is desperately trying to sort out his clothing. The bed behind them shows signs of having been laid in - the sheets rumpled, not smooth (a note made during the trial). At the door, two men peer in. They are likely Trusty and Matthew Stevens, the Lord Grosvenor's butler, whom had seen through the charades and alerted his Lord of potential misconduct.
ADDITIONAL INFO:
CONDITION: Good condition, margins added on top and sides.
REFERENCE:
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