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This satirical print, titled Bonus, Melior, Optimus, or the Devil's the Best of the Bunch, is a biting caricature of the North and Fox Coalition Government. Created by the artist Thomas Trowell and published by W. Humphrey on April 23, 1783, it captures a moment of political intrigue and public discontent during a tumultuous period in British history.
In the center of the print, two central figures are depicted: Frederick North, 2nd Earl of Guilford, and Charles James Fox. North is shown with a bowl in hand, apparently being offered advice by Fox, who is characterized with the head of a fox, a visual pun on his name and a common trope in satirical prints to suggest cunning or deceit. The pair are engaged in a conversation, with North being cautioned about the contents of his bowl, symbolizing the precarious and possibly dangerous nature of their political alliance. North is notably sitting on "Pandora's box," implying that their coalition might unleash unforeseen troubles.
The dialogue bubbles further emphasize the duplicitous nature of their interaction. North is warned by Fox, “My dear Reynard, you are welcome to a hot mess! Be cautious! a little of my broth goes a great way!” This implies the risky and potentially damaging consequences of their coalition. Fox’s response is equally sardonic, with remarks about the fluctuating temperature of the broth, which may be interpreted as the shifting and unreliable nature of their political positions and promises.
To the right, a devilish figure, complete with horns and a tail, works the bellows at a fireplace, stoking the flames. This imagery suggests that their actions and the coalition itself are being driven by malevolent forces, emphasizing the perceived treachery and moral corruption within their political maneuvers. Above the devil, a medallion with a portrait labeled “Coalition Medal” further underscores the unholy alliance between North and Fox, symbolizing their unity as one of convenience and opportunism rather than principle.
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