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Primary sourcePainting1 June 1783

The Portland Sharks, or the Ministry upon a Broad Bottom

1 June 1783

A May 1783 satirical print from Rambler's Magazine showing Lord North lying on the ground forming a "broad bottom" for the coalition ministry.

North is depicted lying on the ground as the literal "broad bottom" supporting the 1783 coalition ministry.

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Engraved political cartoon titled 'The Portland Sharks, or the Ministry upon a broad Bottom', from Rambler's Magazine, May 1783. A large reclining figure in a court suit and bag-wig lies on the ground, looking through a spyglass at a listing ship on the left. Four standing men in coats speak in speech bubbles, and a small figure in a waistcoat at right holds a sack. A small sign reading 'To be Let' appears in the background.
The Portland Sharks, or the Ministry upon a Broad Bottom, Rambler's Magazine, 1 June 1783.

About this source

What it is

This engraving appeared in Rambler's Magazine in 1783. It shows Lord North lying prone on the ground, looking through a spy-glass at a stranded ship, while four ministers including Fox and Portland stand on his back, each clutching a money-bag.

Why it matters

The cartoon mocks the broad-based coalition ministry formed by Fox, North and the Duke of Portland. By showing North as the literal foundation the other ministers stand on, it comments on his role and reputation within the government, and on public suspicion of greed among politicians.

Look closer

  • Why might the artist have shown North as the physical support for the other ministers?
  • What do the speech bubbles given to Fox, Portland and Burke suggest about how each was viewed?
  • What does the gallows and the "To be Let" sign in the background hint about the artist's view of the ministry's future?

This painting is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of Lord Frederick North on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.

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