James Gillray, Confederated Coalition; or The Giants storming Heaven c1804

by Gillray, James

with the Gods Alarmed for Their Everlasting-Abode. Vide, Lord Chancellor's Speech 24th April 1804.
"They never complained of Fatigue, but like the Giants refrefhed, were ready to enter immediately upon the attack!
Not to destry but to root them out of Heaven." Milton.

Hand-coloured etching in the inimitable style of English caricaturist and printmaker, James Gillray (1756-1815). Published in London on May 1, 1804 by Hannah Humphrey. Referred to as 'the father of political cartoon', Gillray excelled in etching poliltical and social satires. He had a keen sense of the ridiculous and showed great observation of people and their behaviour. Gillray crowded each scene with pithy interpretations of contemporary people and events, with caricatures and supporting elements extending to classical allusions. This wonderful political cartoon references the tale of the Giants' war against the Olympian Gods.

To image border measures 35 x 25cm (13.75 x 9.75 inches). Page is cropped 13 3/8 x 10 1/8 inches (34  x 25.8cm), is soiled and has cropped left margin - evidence of much previous appreciation of thtis antique print over the past 220 years.