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| Archive Reference / Library Class No. | D5459/4/8 |
| Former Reference | D5459/3/121 |
| Title | Single Combat in Moorfields or Magnanimous Paul O Challenging All O! |
| Date | 30 Jan 1801 |
| Description | Pitt faces the Tsar Paul, depicted as a bear, on a stage at Moorfields. Next to the bear stands a fierce-looking Russian soldier who reads from a piece of paper:
"Be it known to all men,- that my master, the most magnanimous, the most puissant most powerful and most wonderful great Bear of the north - being in his sound and sober senses Challenges the Whole World to single combat and commences his first trial of skill, here in Moorfields, after which it is his intention to pursue his travels, and visit every court in Europe - Asia - Africa - America."
The collar of the bear, standing on the left, says 'Paul Bruin' and his sword is tempered 'a la Suwarrow', in reference to the Russian General Suvarov. The shield, on which is written 'Swallow All O' also refers to Suvarov, known as General Swallow when winning victories for the allies.
Pitt, on the right, wearing armour and holding a sword 'tempered ' a la Nelson', defends himself with a shield, on which is written the names of illustrious naval commanders.
Available on CD 166. |
| Level | Item |
| Repository | Derbyshire Record Office |
| Artist | Rowlandson, Thomas (1756-1827) |
| Archive Creator | George Murgatroyd Woodward (1765-1809), artist and writer |
| Further Information | Pubd 30 January 1801 by R Ackermann No 101 Strand
The scene refers to a challenge from the Tsar to the European leaders published in the English papers on 27 Jan 1801. In it he challenged them to personal combat, with their generals and ministers as squires. This was in fact a joke made before a Danish Minister, from whose letter the comment was taken. It was so out of character as to be taken seriously. |
| Physical Description | Hand-coloured print. Size 360 x 285 mm. |
| Copies | A digital copy can also be viewed on the public computers at the record office. |
| Related Material | For more depictions of William Pitt see D5459/1/61 etc. |
| Publication Note | BM Sat 9702 |
| Image | 
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