James Gillray may be one of the most well-known and published caricaturist during his lifetime. He engraved more than fifteen hundred compositions throughout his career and popularized political caricature in Great Britain. Gillray was known to distort and exaggerate his subjects' physical features- a now vitally important element in satirical prints.
His imagery ranged from grotesque to humorous as it displayed well-known politicians and public figures. During the French Revolutionary Wars, though he understood the principles of the revolt, he criticized the French and Napoleon (fig. 1). He used his work to promote British ideals and success, including John Bull- a fictional character who personifies England. However, even England was not free from his satire and critique on the effects of war (fig. 2).
His imagery ranged from grotesque to humorous as it displayed well-known politicians and public figures. During the French Revolutionary Wars, though he understood the principles of the revolt, he criticized the French and Napoleon (fig. 1). He used his work to promote British ideals and success, including John Bull- a fictional character who personifies England. However, even England was not free from his satire and critique on the effects of war (fig. 2).