Argus, by James Gillray, 1780

A sleeping King George III allows his symbols of royal power to be usurped. William Murray, Earl of Mansfield (Lord Chief Justice) takes his crown and John Stewart, Earl of Bute holds his sceptre. In the corner Britannia sleeps, holding a chained lion of England. Gillray's print depicts Britain as weak and vulnerable, ripe for exploitation by corrupt ministers. In particular he criticises the Scottish members of the King's inner circle - mainly Bute, as undeserving of their power

1780 Allows Argus Bute Chained Corrupt Criticises Depicts Exploitation Gillray Gillrays Mainly Mansfield Particular Ripe Sceptre Sleeps Usurped Vulnerable Weak

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