'A Military Sketch, of a Gilt Stick, or Poker Emlazoned', 1800

Coloured etching by James Gillray, published by Mrs Hannah Humphrey, 1800.

Caricature of Lieutenant-General Sir William Cathcart (1755-1843), Colonel of the Life Guards, in uniform, without a hat, in profile, standing with a gold-tipped cane. The 'Gilt Stick' of the title refers to the position of Gold Stick, a position in the Royal Household traditionally providing close protection to the sovereign but now a ceremonial role. Cathcart held the position from around 1797. Gillray based his caricature on a sketch now in the British Museum which is thought to have been executed by a fellow Army officer, possibly Lieutenant-Colonel Thomas Braddyll (1776-1862) of the Coldstream Guards, hence the reference to 'Military Sketch' in the title.