"Bank Notes"

James Gillray (13 August 1756 – 1 June 1815) was a British caricaturist and printmaker famous for his etched political and social satires, mainly published between 1792 and 1810. Many of his works are held at the National Portrait Gallery in London.

Description:
Pitt (left) as a bank-clerk, very thin and much caricatured, a pen thrust through his wig, stands behind an L-shaped counter offering a handful of bank-notes to John Bull. In his right hand is a scoop with which he sweeps up notes from the counter. John is a yokel no longer bewildered. He stands stolidly, holding out his left hand for the notes, his right hand in his coat pocket. Fox (right) wears a high cocked hat with tricolour cockade, bag-wig, and laced suit. Sheridan bends towards John. Behind (right), hands of other Foxites are raised in warning, and on the extreme right is the profile of Stanhope. Behind (left), men hasten towards Pitt with large sacks of notes on their heads. The first two, in judge's robes, are Loughborough and Kenyon each with a sack. Behind is Grenville with another sack. Bearers of other sacks are hidden. Under Pitt's counter is a row of large sacks of gold and padlocked. On the end of the counter, facing the spectator, is posted a bill (BM). / On the issue of paper money, to save the Bank from the consequences of Pitt's financial measures. The Whigs, Fox, Sheridan, Stanhope, &c., who opposed the paper money system with all their might, are here endeavouring to persuade John Bull to refuse the notes. The gold is safely locked up under the counter (Wright/Evans).


James Gillray (English, 1756-1815)
published by Hannah Humphrey (English, c. 1745-1818). Hand colored original etching. Image size is 6.25 by 9 inches. Published in 1797. Condition is very good for this rare etching. Light crease running vertically to the right of clerk. No foxing; mild toning consistent with age. Strong colors. Under glass. Recently professionally matted. Overall framed measurements in antique wood and gold leaf frame 12.5 by 15.5 inches. This etching can be found in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago and the British Museum. Provenance: Howard L. Price 2 Fine Art, Lake Worth, Florida.