Triumphal Arch Erected at Maidstone in Honor of the King by Flint Stacey, Esq. and under which His Majesty Passed to Review the Kent Volunteers at Mote Park, August 1st, 1799
This print describes a visit by George III to Maidstone, a town east and south of London, to attend a gathering of volunteer troops. In 1799 Britain was mounting defenses to repel an anticipated French cross-Channel invasion. At center a large temporary triumphal arch has been erected decorated with a suspended portrait of the king and topped with a crown and a royal standard. A painted panel framed by a lion and a unicorn depicts Britannia gesturing towards a naval conflict. The arch is lettered "Kent Volunteers / Loyal, Brave and Free" and frames the figure of the king on horseback below, attended by officers and followed by marching soldiers. Townspeople cheer and wave at either side.
Artwork Details
- Title: Triumphal Arch Erected at Maidstone in Honor of the King by Flint Stacey, Esq. and under which His Majesty Passed to Review the Kent Volunteers at Mote Park, August 1st, 1799
- Engraver: John Barlow (British, 1759/60–1810 or later)
- Architect: Related architect Charles Beazley (British, ca. 1760–1829)
- Sitter: George III, King of Great Britain and Ireland (British, London 1738–1820 Windsor)
- Date: 1799
- Medium: Etching
- Dimensions: Sheet: 23 7/16 × 12 7/8 in. (59.6 × 32.7 cm)
- Classification: Prints
- Credit Line: The Elisha Whittelsey Collection, The Elisha Whittelsey Fund, 1966
- Object Number: 66.544.15
- Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints
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