Historical
and Descriptive Account of the
Caricatures of James Gillray Comprising a Political and
Humorous History of the Latter Part of the Reign of George
the Third by Thomas Wright and R. H. Evans London: Henry G.
Bohn, 1851 Between 1845 and 1851, Henry Bohn published
editions of Gillray's works from Gillray's original plates.
Over 600 numbered plates were printed back-to-back in two
giant atlas folio volumes. . .a good tint ie they
date from 1845/51. The third
volume was the 'suppressed or gentleman's prints not go
ladies viewing etc and as such much scarcer .. . all where
possible with a historical
description/translation
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| After
failing as a portrait painter,
Gillray worked as a freelenace engraver and etcher. After 1782 he
started producing political satires, mainly inspired by the
conflict between the Whigs and the Tories, the French Revolution
and war against Napoleon. Originally his caricatures would have
been issued separately, mainly from the print shop of his mistress,
Hannah Humphrey, in St. James's Street, London. His eyesight
started failing him, causing him to stop work in 1809. Depressed he
turned to drink, and in July 1811 Gillray attempted to kill himself
by throwing himself out of attic window above Humphrey's shop. He
failed, and survived four years of insanity before dying in
1815. |
307. LE DIABLE BOITEUX; OR, THE DEVIL UPON TWO STICKS, CONVEYING JOHN
BULL TO THE LAND OF PROMISE. February 8th, 1806.
LORD SIDMOUTH. FOX. LORD GRENVILLE. JOHN BULL. Fox, as the Diable
Boiteux, is soaring through the air. His head is surmounted by the
Prince of Wales's feathers. He is carrying Lord Sidmouth under his left
wing, who has " Honesty" inscribed over his head: and he sustains Lord
Grenville with his right wing; over Lord Grenville's head is inscribed
" Humility." On Fox's back is inscribed "
Loyalty—Independence—Public Good." He is calling to John
Bull: " Come along, Johnny; take fast hold of my cloak, and I will
bring you to the land of milk and honey." John Bull replies, " Oh yes,
I will try to hold fast, but I'm damnably afraid that your cloak may
slip off before we get there; and I may chance to break my neck."
On Fox's accession to office, after Pitt's death. Fox's two crutches
are Lords Sidmouth and Grenville. Fox's coalition with the latter led
to the formation of the celebrated Broad-Bottom Administration, which
was completed on the 3rd of February, 1806.*Originally published by
Hannah Humphrey in
1806 by James Gillray ** Hand Coloured. Trimmed from a
larger
sheet,.***All shown with the margin against a darker
carpet to show borders if close cut ***This is from the later Bohn
Edition of
1849 to 1851 ** £85 post inclusive . x 3
|
176. LA PROMENADE EN FAMILLE. A SKETCH FROM LIFE.
Caricature by Gillray first published by H. Humphreys on April
23rd, 1797. This print is from the third major edition published by
Henry G.
Bohn. Later hand colouring. THE FITZCLARENCES. MRS. JORDAN. DUKE OF
CLARENCE. On the relations between the Duke of Clarence and Mrs.
Jordan, a subject of much scandal at this time.* £85 post
inclusive .
|
201. THE EXPLANATION. May 30th, 1798.
Caricature by Gillray first published by H. Humphreys on May 30th,
1798.. This print is from the third major edition published by Henry G.
Bohn. Later hand colouring. LORD CAMELFORD. PITT. TIERNEY. SIR F.
BURDETT. On Friday, May 25, 1798, Pitt moved to bring in a Bill " for
the more efficient Manning of the Navy, by an augmentation of 10,000
men to the present force," at the same time intimating, " that as the
present alarming situation of the country made it necessary that this
measure should be passed without any delay, he should wish that the
Bill might this day be passed through its different stages, with a
suitable pause at each, if required; and that it should be sent to the
Lords for their concurrence." Tierney complained of the precipitancy of
the Right Hon. Gentleman. He had heard no arguments that proved its
propriety. " He knew of no sudden emergency that urged its necessity;
even if he had, some time ought to have been allowed him to weigh and
to examine the nature of such an emergency,etc etc* £85 post
inclusive .
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122. THE REAL CAUSE OF THE PRESENT HIGH PRICE OF PROVISIONS.
Caricature by Gillray first published by H. Humphreys on May llth,
1795. This print is from the third major edition published by Henry G.
Bohn. Later hand colouring.
DUKE Of NORFOLK. DUKE OF BEDFORD. DUKE OF GRAFTON.LORD LANSDOWNE.
SHERIDAN. FOX. GREY ERSKINE. LORD STANHOPE.
In the bitterness of party animosity, it was pretended that the "Whigs
assisted the French in obtaining provisions from this country, and that
they thus increased the scarcity and consequent dearncss of provisions
at home, which was at this time a subject of great discontent
throughout the country. Fox, dressed as the Commissioner-General of the
French armies, is negociating the purchases, while Erskine attends as
his Secretary, and Sheridan and Grey carry the money. The Duke of
Bedford is making a good market of his meal; the Duke of Norfolk brings
in a basket of dumplings; Grafton is driving the live stock to the
coast; and Stanhope is the steersman of the boat which is to carry them
on ship-board.*Originally published by
Hannah Humphrey in
1795 by James Gillray ** Hand Coloured. Trimmed from a
larger
sheet,.***All shown with the margin against a darker
carpet to show borders if close cut ***This is from the later Bohn
Edition of
1849 to 1851 ** £95 post inclusive . slight watermarking
to the plate left corner
|
Bologna-Sausages, or Opposition Fluxed. First published, December,
1788.
A SUPRESSED PLATE. Image size : 330mm.x 242mm. Fox runs hurriedly out
of the House of Commons, excreting as he does so. A comment on the
famous Regency debate .The figure on the left with the German accent
would appear to be the Prince of Wales and George III is sitting on his
throne on the right. Pitt is the most recognisable, his profile
appearing through the arch into the Commons chamber. *Originally
published by
Hannah Humphrey in
1788 by James Gillray ** Hand Coloured. Trimmed from a
larger
sheet,.***All shown with the margin against a darker
carpet to show borders if close cut ***This is from the later Bohn
Edition of
1849 to 1851 ** £65 post inclusive . slight watermarking
to the plate left corner x 2
|
533. THE GUARDIAN ANGEL. April 22nd, 1805.
PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. MRS. FITZHERBERT.STANHOPE.GRENVILLE. GREY. ERSKINE.
CARLISLE. BORDETT. FOX. NORFOLK. SHERIDAN.
This parody on the Rev. Mr. Peters's picture is said to have been
intended as a satire on a rumoured attempt of Mrs. Fitzherbert to
convert the Princess Charlotte to the Catholic faith. The position
given to the members of the celebrated " All the Talents "
Administration alludes to their efforts in favour of Catholic
Emancipation.***Originally published by
Hannah Humphrey in
1805 by James Gillray ** Hand Coloured. Trimmed from a
larger
sheet,.***All shown with the margin against a darker
carpet to show borders if close cut ***This is from the later Bohn
Edition of
1849 to 1851 ** £65 post inclusive . slight watermarking
to the plate right corner x 3
|
36. MARKET DAY. "Sic itur ad astra." May 2nd, 1788.
GEORGE III. WARREN HASTINGS. EARL OF DERBY. DUNDAS. PITT. THURLOW. FOX.
BURKE. SHERIDAN. LANSDOWNE.A satire on the supposed venality of
Parliament. Thurlow, who was believed to be the great buyer in the
House of Lords, has a full fold behind him, in which we perceive, among
other countenances, those of Lord Sydney and the Duke of Grafton, on
each side of Thurlow, Lord Amherst, Lord Sandwich, and others. On the
extreme right stands the Marquis of Lansdowne. In the centre of the
picture appears Lord Derby, distinguished by his pigtail and nose, and
below him the Duke of Norfolk. Even the King is represented as to be
bought, and on the left, Warren Hastings is seen as the butcher riding
off with his Majesty in the shape of a calf—referring to the
Warren Hastings affair. The cattle in Thurlow's fold are making a
determined attack on a watch box, and overthrowing the celebrated trio,
Fox, Burke, and Sheridan. Pitt and Dnndas are quietly enjoying
themselves at the sign of the Crown, heedless of the bustle
below.***Originally published by
Hannah Humphrey in
1798 by James Gillray ** Hand Coloured. Trimmed from a
larger
sheet,.***All shown with the margin against a darker
carpet to show borders if close cut ***This is from the later Bohn
Edition of
1849 to 1851 ** £65 post inclusive . slight watermarking
to the plate left corner
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SCOTCH
HARRY'S
NEWS; OR, NINCUMPOOP IN HIGH GLEE. May 23rd,
1792.
GEORGE III.
THE QUEEN.
DUNDAS. On the arrival of intelligence of
the great success of the English arms in India, and of the
conclusion of peace with Tippoo Saib. The Indian Affairs were
Dundas's special and favourite department. . **
Hand
Coloured. Trimmed from a larger sheet, narrow margin..***All shown
with the margin against a darker carpet to show borders***This is
from the later Bohn Edition of 1849 to 1851 ** £65
post
inclusive
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The Grand Signior
Retiring
2
** One
of the
rarer suppressed" engravings that was not
generally sold as offensive to Ladies etc.The Prince of Wales,
eldest son of King George III, attending his mistress, Lady Jersey,
with the connivance of her elderly, shambling husband.**
Hand Coloured. Trimmed from a larger sheet, narrow top
margin..***All shown with the margin against a darker carpet to
show borders***This is from the later Bohn Edition of 1849 to 1851 **
£65 post inclusive
|
THE YORK
MINUET.
December 8th, 1791.
DUCHESS Of
YORK. DUKE
Of YORK. Another print on the subject of
the Duke of York's Marriage. The Duchess was celebrated for the
smallness of her foot, which this dance is intended to exhibit to
advantage. ** Hand Coloured. Trimmed from a larger
sheet,
narrow margin..***All shown with the margin against a darker carpet
to show borders***This is from the later Bohn Edition of 1849 to
1851 ** £65 post inclusive
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THE YORK
REVERENCE ; OR, CITY LOYALTY AMPLY REWARDED.
December 27th, 1791.
DUCHESS Of
YORK. DUKE
Of YORK marriage of the Duke of York,
presented to the Duke and Duchess, on the 19th of December, 1791,
by the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, Sheriffs, and Common Council of the
City of London. It is difficult to say which of the Royal Pair
excels in the condescension with which the City Address is here
received and acknowledged. The reverence of the Duchess is so
extreme, as to entitle it to the honour of knighthood. **
Hand Coloured. Trimmed from a larger sheet, narrow margin..***All
shown with the margin against a darker carpet to show
borders***This is from the later Bohn Edition of 1849 to 1851 **
£65 post inclusive
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143. A HACKNEY MEETING.
Caricature by Gillray first published by H. Humphreys on February 1st,
1796. This print is from the third major edition published by Henry G.
Bohn. Later hand colouring. FOX. BYNG. MAINWARING.Never during
the reign of George III. not even during the American or French wars,
were the public meetings so universal, and so respectably attended, as
against the two bills for the protection of the King's person, and
against Seditious Meetings, passed by Ministers in consequence of the
outrage against the King at the opening of Parliament in October, 1795.
The restrictions as originally proposed were so stringent, that a
meeting even in a private house, exceeding fifty, could not take place
without giving notice to a magistrate, who might attend if he thought
proper, and at his pleasure order the meeting to disperse, and any
person not obeying was to be guilty of felony. The Sheriff of Middlesex
summoned the freeholders to assemble at the Mermaid, at Hackney, on
November 21, but the house could not contain a third of the number
assembled, and they adjourned to the green adjoining the house. The
Duke of Norfolk opened the proceedings, and told the meeting they must
not be misled by the specious titles of the bills, " I dare say, if the
High Priest of the Spanish Inquisition was to come among us to
introduce his system of inquisition here, he would call it an act for
the better support and protection of religion ; but we have
understandings that are not to be deceived in this way." The meeting
returned thanks to Mr. Byng for his opposition to the measure, and
ordered their petition to be presented by both their Members.
Mainwaring, the ministerial Member, candidly stated in the House of
Commons, that the meeting was most numerously and respectably attended,
and that the requisition to the Sheriff had been " signed by three
Dukes, one Marquis, two Earls, and several most respectable
freeholders."**
£85 post inclusive
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VENUS ATTIRED
BY THE
GRACES.
Dec. 8th,
1800. **
Hand Coloured. Trimmed from a larger
sheet, narrow margin..***All shown with the margin against a darker
carpet to show borders***This is from the later Bohn Edition of
1849 to 1851 ** £65 post inclusive
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