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THE TRANSFORMATION OF CARICATURE: A READING OF GILLRAY'S THE LIBERTY OF THE SUBJECT.

Authors :
Haywood, Ian
Source :
Eighteenth-Century Studies. Winter2010, Vol. 43 Issue 2, p223-242. 20p.
Publication Year :
2010

Abstract

The article discusses how the 1779 English caricature "The Liberty of the Subject" by James GIllray represents of a new form of eighteenth century caricature. The artwork presents a London, England street scene featuring a press-gang being attacked by two women attempting to physically thwart efforts to impress a tailor. The author feels the print portrays popular sentiments regarding press gangs and English liberty with a high degree of verisimilitude. The author argues that the 1779 murder trial of Mary Adey for her attack on a press-gang member was the inspiration for Gillray's political satire. An overview of the British government's policies regarding impressment is presented.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
00132586
Volume :
43
Issue :
2
Database :
Academic Search Index
Journal :
Eighteenth-Century Studies
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
47903390
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1353/ecs.0.0108