The Dissolution,—or—The Alchymist producing an Aetherial Representation

• 1796
• Etched by James Gillray, British
  London
• Plate: 14.25 x 10.25 in.
  Hand-colored etching on wove paper
• Not on display
• Gift of Fisher Scientific International
• Fisher Collection
• FA 2000.001.149
• No known copyright restrictions

Description

A caricature of prime minister William Pitt (1759–1806), who is using a pair of bellows in the shape of a crown to heat a glass distillation vessel containing Parliament. In the steam from the vessel are his subjects prostrating before him. Below the furnace is a pile of gold coins.

Inscription

Pubd. May 21, 1796, by H. Humphrey New Bond Street