Curious Instance of (Ministerial) Resuscitation effected by distinguished members of the Royal Humane Society
John Doyle (H.B.) (Dublin 1797 – London 1868)
Category
Art / Prints
Date
1839
Materials
Paper
Measurements
300 mm (h)440 mm (w)
Order this imageCollection
Blickling Hall, Norfolk
NT 354046.28
Summary
Print, lithograph, Curious Instance of (Ministerial) Resuscitation affected by distinguished members of the Royal Humane Society by John Doyle (H.B.) (Dublin 1797 – London 1868). Part collection (49) of HB Sketches. Published by T. McLean, 26 Haymarket. No.599 , 24 June 1839. Queen Victoria (1819-1901) and her ladies ministering to William Lamb, 2nd Viscount Melbourne (1779-1848). Text from 'An Illustrative Key to the Political Sketches of H.B.', 'London 1841: Lord Melbourne having ceased to exist as Prime-Minister ... was restored to political life in about four-and-twenty hours. Whether it was a real demise, or only a case of suspended animation, a trance, or a counterfeit, like Falstaff's at the battle of Shrewsbury, is a question on which different opinions are entertained. Whichever it was, his resuscitation appeared to be the work (the miracle, if the decease were real,) of Her Majesty, assisted by her ladies of the bed-chamber. The situation of Lord Melbourne is one for which he may be envied. To be so restored to life, he may well exclaim with Cato - How beautiful is death! * * * What pity is it we can die but once To serve our country!'
Makers and roles
John Doyle (H.B.) (Dublin 1797 – London 1868), engraver (printmaker)