Wierd-Sisters; Ministers of Darkness; Minions of the Moon

Size 34cm x 26cm

Originally published by Hannah Humphrey etched by James Gillray from 'The Genuine Works of James Gillray, engraved by himself. Thomas McLean edition on heavy rag-paper from the original copper plates printed 1830.

A burlesque of Fuseli's well-known picture illustrating 'Macbeth', i. 3. The three witches are Dundas, Pitt, and Thurlow, in profile to the right instead of to the left. Fuseli's drapery is replaced by clouds, and the three gaze with reflective and apprehensive intensity at the moon (right): the Queen's smiling profile in a brightly lit crescent faces them, enclosing the old moon, the darkened head of the King, with closed eyes in profile to the right. Each witch presses the fingers of his left hand (drawn with much expressiveness) to his lips ( - 'each at once her choppy finger laying upon her skinny lips'); the outstretched left arm of Fuseli's picture is absent: they appear to be seeking knowledge of the future from the moon, not foretelling it. Beneath the title is inscribed: '"They should be Women! - and yet their beards forbid us to interpret, - that they are so." Above the design: 'To H: Fuzelli Esqr this attempt in the Caricatura-Sublime, is respectfully dedicated." 23 December 1791