Combattimento fra Giorgio III e Caterina II

Combattimento fra il Gallo Inglese – re Giorgio III (Londra 1738 - Windsor 1820)
e la Gallina Russa – imperatrice Caterina II (Stettino 1729 - Pietroburgo 1796)

A grand battle between the famous English cock and the Russian hen!
Published by William Holland - 1791

European sovereigns (who wear crowns) and notabilities are grouped in a semicircle round a cock-pit, watching intently a fight between two cocks, one (left) with the head of George III, the other that of Catherine II. Both wear crowns.

The King says, "Boo! boo! bluster! bluster! wont leave you a feather to cover your old rump". The Empress says, "I have vanquish'd many a finer bird than you, my old Cock".

The Sultan of Turkey sits full face, in the centre of the spectators, with coins in front of him; he says, "If the Cock wins by our holy Prophet I swear he shall be cherished in our Seraglio as long as he lives". A lady of his harem leans on his left shoulder. On his right sits the King of Prussia, also with coins, saying, "Five hundred thousand Rix dollars the Cock wins!" Next him sits Pitt, a spectator without a stake, saying, "I would like to have a bout with her; but I'm afraid she'd soon do my business". Behind Pitt stands the Prince of Wales, holding out a bank-note; he says, "I wish they'd let my Bird encounter her, he'd soon lower her crest - ten thousand she turns tail." On the extreme left sits Queen Charlotte, with a pile of coins and notes, holding out over the cock a sceptre on which is transfixed a wreath; she says, "A Million to ten Thousand my Cock wins".

On the Sultan's left sits a small man wearing a turban; he has no stake. Next is the Emperor, an empty wallet in front of him, watching the fight anxiously. Behind him stands the King of Spain, saying, "It is easy to see by her spunk, Potemkin has been her feeder". On the extreme right sits Potemkin, wearing regimentals, with a large stake, his hand held out towards the imperial hen. He says, "A Million of Rubles she'll win! at him again, my dear Mistress! Potemkin, your invincible Feeder will back you to the last." Behind him stands Louis XVI, wearing a tiny crown; he says, "I would give all that I have left of a Crown for such a glorious Bird."

25 April 1791