Philip Thicknesse walks (left to right) followed by his (third) wife; both are heavily laden.  He carries three large volumes under his left arm; in his right hand is a headsman's axe inscribed 'Gratitude', on his head is a boar's head inscribed 'Lord Jerseys Present'. He wears regimentals; above his shoulder projects the muzzle of the wooden gun; his cartouche-box is inscribed 'Subscription scheme Gunpowder' (an allusion to the publication of his Memoirs by subscription and to their blackmailing character). Two antique pistols are thrust in a belt inscribed 'Duke of Marlbros Pistols' (see BMSat 7721). Under his right foot is a paper: 'Vagrant Act'. He scowls morosely, his wife looks up at him with an expression of angry anxiety.  She carries two large books under her right arm, probably her 'Sketches of the Lives and Writings of the Ladies of France', 3 vols., 1778-81.   She appears to be pregnant; her petticoats are raised in front by a low girdle inscribed 'Loves of Landguard Cottage'.  Behind her and on the extreme left is a milestone: '1 Mile from Bath'.   In the background (right) behind Thicknesse is a low thatched cottage inscribed 'Hermitage', before whose door is a gibbet from which hangs a noose. 1790
<br>Etching
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<p>Print made by: Thomas Rowlandson (?)
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<dl><dd>Published by: S W Fores</dd></dl></div>
1790<div style="display: none;">date QS:P571,+1790-00-00T00:00:00Z/9</div>
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