1st Viscount Melville Collection

Smoking club, 18th century artwork. The practice of smoking tobacco was popularised in England and Ireland in the 1580s and 1590s by the English soldier and explorer Sir Walter Raleigh (c.1552-1618)

An Irish Union!, published January 30, 1799. Creator: Isaac Cruikshank
An Irish Union!, published January 30, 1799

The Modern Egbert, or The King of Kings, January 8, 1789. January 8, 1789
The Modern Egbert, or The King of Kings, January 8, 1789

The State Auction, March 26, 1784. March 26, 1784. Creator: Thomas Rowlandson
The State Auction, March 26, 1784

State Butchers, January 28, 1789. January 28, 1789. Creator: Thomas Rowlandson
State Butchers, January 28, 1789

The State Auction, 1784. Artist: Thomas Rowlandson
The State Auction, 1784. William Pitt the Younger, as an auctioneer, disposing of British liberties in the House of Commons

A forcible entrance into Leadenhall-Street; by Master Billy Declaratory upon a Dun d-ass, 1788. William Pitt, seated on an ass which has the head of Henry Dundas, riding along Leadenhall Street

Meeting of unfortunate citoyens, 1798. Artist: James Gillray
Meeting of unfortunate citoyens, 1798. Charles James Fox and Charles Howard, Duke of Norfolk, meeting on the pavement outside Brookss Club

A smoking club, House of Commons, London, 1793. Depicting the House of Commons burlesqued as a smoking club whose quarrelsome members - Fox, Dundas, Pitt, etc. are puffing smoke at each other

Notes for a a speech by Richard Brinsley Sheridan, 30th April 1805. Artist: Richard Sheridan
Notes for a a speech by Richard Brinsley Sheridan, 30th April 1805. Notes for a a speech in the House of Commons imputing to William Pitt misapplication of public funds in connection with the charge

Drawings Prints, Print, State Auction, Publisher, Artist, Subject, William Humphrey
Drawings and Prints, Print, The State Auction, Publisher, Artist, Subject, Subject, Subject, William Humphrey, Thomas Rowlandson, William Pitt, Charles James Fox, George III

Drawings Prints, Print, Modern Egbert, Kingsubject, Subject, Artist, Baron Edward Thurlow
Drawings and Prints, Print, The Modern Egbert, or The King of Kings, Subject, Subject, Subject, Artist, Baron Edward Thurlow, William Pitt, Henry Dundas, 1st Viscount Melville

All Professionally Made to Order for Quick Shipping

"1st Viscount Melville: A Glimpse into the 18th Century Artwork and Social Clubs" Step back in time to the vibrant 18th century, where art and social gatherings intertwined to create a vivid tapestry of life. One such figure who left an indelible mark on this era was none other than 1st Viscount Melville. Immerse yourself in the world of high society as you explore artworks like "The Modern Egbert, or The King of Kings, " painted on that fateful day - January 8, 1789. This masterpiece by Thomas Rowlandson captures the essence of power and grandeur that surrounded Viscount Melville's influence. Delve further into history with another iconic piece titled "The State Auction. " Created by Rowlandson himself on March 26, 1784, it transports us to a bustling auction hall filled with anticipation. Here we witness the opulence associated with Viscount Melville's presence at such prestigious events. But not all aspects of his life were marked by elegance and refinement. In "State Butchers, " also crafted by Rowlandson on January 28, 1789, we catch a glimpse of the grittier side of society. It reminds us that even amidst grandeur, there existed a stark contrast between privilege and hardship during this period. To truly understand the man behind these captivating scenes, one must turn their attention to Henry Raeburn's portrait entitled "Viscount Melville. " Painted around c1805 but discovered later in1924; it showcases his commanding presence and unwavering determination – traits that propelled him to great heights within British politics. However, beyond artwork lies another intriguing facet - social clubs. Imagine stepping into "A Smoking Club" within London's House of Commons in1793; here politicians gathered for camaraderie amid swirling clouds of smoke – an environment where ideas were exchanged and alliances forged.