Théologie à la Turque. - the pale of the Church of Mahomet

This print is one of a series Gillray published satirizing the French campaign in Egypt. In this image a Frenchman is carried by two Turks towards a large, menacing pike. Another Turkish figure stands behind the pike and gestures with his right hand towards the tip of the stake. In the background, a French soldier watches the scene from over his shoulder. This soldier rubs his backside with one hand while he places a turban on his head. His hat, exactly like the one worn by the next victim, is abandoned on the ground. His actions suggest that either he has just been "baptised" by the Turkish figures, or he is anticipating the execution of the Frenchman by impalement. The Frenchman holds a scroll of papers labeled "Le Prophet Demasque" in his left hand, and a book titled "L'Imposture de Mahomet" in his right. He is carried upright by one figure, who grasps his legs and the other who holds him under his arms. Following this small procession, a religious man reads from a book inscribed in capital letters "AL-KO-RAN." The sheet has been folded at the outer borders and has some stains and small, repaired tears. This print is one of a series Gillray published satirizing the French campaign in Egypt. In this image a Frenchman is carried by two Turks towards a large, menacing pike. Another Turkish figure stands behind the pike and gestures with his right hand towards the tip of the stake. In the background, a French soldier watches the scene from over his shoulder. This soldier rubs his backside with one hand while he places a turban on his head. His hat, exactly like the one worn by the next victim, is abandoned on the ground. His actions suggest that either he has just been "baptised" by the Turkish figures, or he is anticipating the execution of the Frenchman by impalement. The Frenchman holds a scroll of papers labeled "Le Prophet Demasque" in his left hand, and a book titled "L'Imposture de Mahomet" in his right. He is carried upright by one figure, who grasps his legs and the other who holds him under his arms. Following this small procession, a religious man reads from a book inscribed in capital letters "AL-KO-RAN." The sheet has been folded at the outer borders and has some stains and small, repaired tears. From: Egyptian Sketches Inscription: Pubd. March 12th, 1799, by H. Humphrey 27 St. James's Street. Printed Signature: Etched by Js. Gillray, from the Original Intercepted Drawing.