The Covent Garden Night Mare, (BM 1851,0901.195)

A parody of 'The Nightmare' by Fuseli (which attracted popular attention at the right.A. in 1782 [A stipple engraving was published by J.R. Smith, 20 Jan. 1783]), deriving much of its humour from its contrast with that picture. Fox, naked, lies prone on a low bed, one arm hanging to the floor, the other above his head. On his breast sits a demon, while a horse with staring eyeballs puts its head through draped curtains. The horse, the demon, and the general arrangement are closely copied from Fuseli, in reverse; but the burly nudity of Fox is in complete contrast with his elegant female in pseudo-classical draperies. In Fuseli's picture is a circular table of classical shape on which are toilet bottles, &c.; on the smaller table beside Fox are a dice-box and dice. 20 April 1784 [So dated by Mr. Hawkins]
Hand-coloured etching