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    James Gillray (1756–1815)

    British

    James Gillray was a British caricaturist and printmaker whose images helped shape the language of political and social satire. Working in London around the turn of the nineteenth century, he used exaggeration, visual allusion and sharply observed detail to address public affairs and everyday behaviour. His prints bring together accomplished draughtsmanship and a dense world of references, making them both striking images and records of their historical moment.

    Biography

    James Gillray studied at the Royal Academy Schools and trained in engraving. Alongside reproductive work, he developed a practice devoted to caricature, taking on political figures, social fashions and the behaviour of connoisseurs. By the end of 1791 his caricatures were published by Hannah Humphrey, whose print business was central to their circulation. The images combine forceful characterisation with details that reward a reader familiar with contemporary politics and culture. Today, identifying those references can open up a print's meaning without reducing its visual inventiveness to a historical footnote. Gillray's work is held by major British public collections, including the National Portrait Gallery and the Government Art Collection. When considering an impression, its printing history must be distinguished from the date when Gillray first created or published the design.

    Available works

    James Gillray – A cognocenti contemplating Beauties of Antique

    A cognocenti contemplating Beauties of Antique, 1805

    Print

    James Gillray – A smoking club

    A smoking club, 1805

    Print

    James Gillray – Connoisseurs examining a colleciton of George Morland's

    Connoisseurs examining a colleciton of George Morland's, 1805

    Print

    James Gillray – Elements of skateing - Attitude is everything

    Elements of skateing - Attitude is everything, 1805

    Print

    James Gillray – Elements of skateing - Making the most...

    Elements of skateing - Making the most..., 1805

    Print

    James Gillray – Elements of skateing - The Consequence of going before the Wind

    Elements of skateing - The Consequence of going before the Wind, 1805

    Print

    James Gillray – Le Diable Boiteux

    Le Diable Boiteux, 1805

    Print

    James Gillray – Meeting of the Monied Interest

    Meeting of the Monied Interest, 1805

    Print

    James Gillray – Opening of the budget

    Opening of the budget, 1805

    Print

    James Gillray – Two Pair of Portraits

    Two Pair of Portraits, 1805

    Print

    Collecting & enquiries

    Gillray's prints can interest collectors of political history, caricature and British works on paper. A well-documented impression offers both an image and a route into its original context. Enquire about publication details, printing date, colouring, margins and condition for the specific example under consideration.

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    Sources and further reading