James Gillray

James Gillray (13 August 1756 or 1757 – 1 June 1815) was a British caricaturist and printmaker.Gillray, James and Draper Hill 1966. Fashionable contrasts. London: Phaidon, p8. He was famous for his cartoons. They were etched political and social satires, mainly published between 1792 and 1810.

Gillray has been called "the father of the political cartoon". He satirized George III, prime ministers and generals. He was one of the two most influential cartoonists of that time: the other was William Hogarth. Gillray's wit and humour, knowledge of life, and fine drawing, gave him the first place among caricaturists.

The name of Gillray's publisher and print seller was Miss Hannah Humphrey. Her shop is always associated with the caricaturist. Gillray lived with Miss (often called Mrs) Humphrey for the entire period of his fame.

Although he satirized George III as "Farmer George", his main target was the gluttonous Prince of Wales (later George IV). Napoleon was another favourite target. Gillray was especially hard on the rich, the famous and the most powerful people.

Many of his prints were sent  to Germany and reprinted in the magasine London und Paris.


 References 

Category:British cartoonists
Category:1756 births
Category:1815 deaths
Category:Printmakers