"Praetor-Urbanus;"-Inaguration of the Coptic Mayor of Cairo, preceded by the Procureur de la Commune. (BM 1868,0808.6828)

A grotesque, obese, black Copt, holding a mace or staff, rides (right to left) an ass which, though led procession-ally by a Copt, proceeds on account of the bayonet with which a grinning French soldier stabs its hind quarters. The 'Mayor' wears a French military coat and breeches, with a tricolour scarf and cocked hat with large tricolour plumes. He is otherwise naked, and a heavy chain of beads hangs from his ear. The 'Procureur' is naked except for a cocked hat and tricolour scarf; he carries a (?) goad as a staff of office. Behind his ear is a pen. 12 March 1799
Hand-coloured etching