Plunderer beating duplicity--or, amusements at Cairo

Pyramids and Egyptian ruins form a backdrop for the green field across which French officers and Turkish soldiers engage in a mule race. The two Turkish riders have taken the lead and turn to look over their shoulders at the two French soldiers, who urge their mules forward using clubs. On the left of the sheet, a stately French officer sits astride a mule and observes the race. The pomp and elegance of the officer's posture is comically contrasted with his lackluster mount. In fact, both the rider and the tack (reins, saddle, etc.) are far too large for the animal, who looks miserable under the ornate reins and plumes. Incongruously, the hooves of all of the mules are conspicuously curved upwards. This is to perhaps mimic the crescent-shaped shoes that Turks frequently wear in satires. Another French officer and a Turkish figure stand behind the judging officer. In the center foreground, two men wearing Turkish garments sit smoking long pipes. Pyramids and Egyptian ruins form a backdrop for the green field across which French officers and Turkish soldiers engage in a mule race. The two Turkish riders have taken the lead and turn to look over their shoulders at the two French soldiers, who urge their mules forward using clubs. On the left of the sheet, a stately French officer sits astride a mule and observes the race. The pomp and elegance of the officer's posture is comically contrasted with his lackluster mount. In fact, both the rider and the tack (reins, saddle, etc.) are far too large for the animal, who looks miserable under the ornate reins and plumes. Incongruously, the hooves of all of the mules are conspicuously curved upwards. This is to perhaps mimic the crescent-shaped shoes that Turks frequently wear in satires. Another French officer and a Turkish figure stand behind the judging officer. In the center foreground, two men wearing Turkish garments sit smoking long pipes. Published by Samuel W. Fores. 1798-12-06 Caption: London. Published by S W Fores No 50, Piccadilly Deer 6, 1798 Inscription: Folios of Caricatures lent out for the Evening.