Return from Brighton, or a journey to Town for the Winter season (BM 1868,0808.5573)

A sequel to BMSat 6967. A coach and four is driven at a gallop from right to left, by two postilions: Fox rides the near wheeler, Sheridan the near leader; both ply their whips. Inside the coach is the Prince of Wales, reading 'Town Amusements' but looking at his infant which North, on the back seat, holds on his knee (cf. BMSat 6954, &c). On the Prince's right is Mrs. Fitzherbert. The centre of the coach roof is piled with boxes, baskets of fruit, a bunch of flowers, a hare, and a bird. These divide Hanger, who sits facing the horses, his club under his arm, reading a 'Scheme for finishing Carlton House', and Weltje reading a 'contract', his feet resting on a pot, saveall, &c. Both men smile with satisfaction. The door of the coach is decorated with Mrs. Fitzherbert as Hope, holding an anchor surmounted by the Prince's feathers and motto, 'Ich Dien'; on each side-panel is a star; it is ornate and decorated with crowns, in contrast with the shabby vehicle of BMSat 6967. In front of the coach is tied a large pair of bellows (whose nozzle points directly at Fox) inscribed 'Motion for increase of Income'. 23 October 1786

Etching