We will now turn to a far more elaborate example, which, in its first state, as will be seen in the reproduction, represents Queen Anne presiding in state over the House of Lords. The plate is etched by Romeyn de Hooghe.
At the top of the picture, between female figures representing Plenty and War, is suspended a cloth, on which the Queen is shown presiding over the House of Commons. At her side sits Prince George of Denmark. The whole is surmounted by the words, “Het Hoog en Lager Huys van Engeland.” Left and right of the cloth are scrolls bearing the legends, “Hinc gloria regni” and “Hinc felicitas publica.”
At the base of the plate are two small self-contained etchings. That on the left shows the heralds proclaiming the Queen; that on the right shows Her Majesty sitting in Council. Between these are inscribed the following words:—
“Annæ D. G.
Magnæ Britanniæ Reginæ,” etc., etc.
The main design is crowded with details and figures of the utmost interest, any description of which is forbidden by the space at my disposal. The artist’s signature is to be seen on the floor of the Hall.
Thirteen years were now to elapse before it was transformed into the glorification of George I. The King now takes the place of the late Queen in the House of Lords. The throne in the House of Commons is vacant. The inscription on the cloth has been re-engraved, and “Engeland” changed to “Engelandt.” The title and the panels at the bottom of the plate have been cut away, and the index numbers on the main design and the index letters on the cloth have been altered. The designer’s name has been removed from the floor of the House, and engraved on the right-hand corner of the plate.
These are the main differences. The curious reader may occupy himself in discovering others.
The next example here reproduced I give because of the peculiarly drastic changes which have been made by the pirate into whose hands the plate has fallen. {239}
