John Bull stands full-face, supporting a monstrous burden; he is short in proportion to his breadth by reason of the weight which presses on him, drops fall down his face; his breeches pockets, inscribed 'Empty', hang inside out. On his shoulders sits Pitt, his slim ankles crossed under John's chin. On his back, behind Pitt and extending far beyond his shoulders, is a vast burden inscribed (left): 'Subsidies - Taxes!! Taxes - More Taxes!! More Taxes!!!!'; and right: 'Subsidies - Taxes - Debt- More Money!!' On one end (left) sits Dundas, looking to the left, in Highland dress; on the other sits a schoolboy, evidently intended for Canning. On the top of the burden stand seven men, all wearing ribbons and evidently representing placemen and pensioners; they support on their hands and heads a long treasure-chest, heavily padlocked and inscribed: 'Benefices - Candle ends and Cheese Parings.' On the right and left of this sit jauntily two corpulent parsons, hands on hips. Between them, a hand on the head of each, stands, full-face, a stout and grinning bishop, with inflated lawn sleeves. His mitre forms the apex of the monstrous pyramid. Pitt turns his head in profile to the left, he and Dundas have expressions of concern; all the others appear complacent or pleased. 15 November 1797
<br>Etching and aquatint
1797<div style="display: none;">date QS:P571,+1797-00-00T00:00:00Z/9</div>
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