ORIGINAL ENGLISH LITHOGRAPH, John Wilkes Esq.

5” x 8 1/2” lithograph of John Wilkes, radical critic of George III whose imprisonment precipitated the Massacre of St George's Fields in London. Supporters gathered and were read the Riot Act of 1714 which required the dispersal of groups of over 12, upon notice by authorities. Upon their failure to disperse, six or seven (accounts vary) were shot by troops. That massacre is the source of the modern idiom, “read the Riot Act”.  E. Bocquet engraver, published by Sherwood, Neely & Jones C.1810  and professionally matted to 11” x 14” for an off the shelf frame from Michael’s, Walmart etc. Genuine 200 year old original. Rare as we found no other example on the internet.