For this COVE build, I have decided to spotlight James Gillray and provide a timeline of his life. Gillray was born on August 13, 1756, in Chelsea, England (Just outside of London). Gillray was best known for his cartoon political caricatures many directed against both George III and Napoleon. He is one of the most well-known British cartoonists of all time. He gained knowledge and talent in many different ways, but he began learning to engrave first in 1778 and later was accepted to the Royal Academy. Soon after attending, Gillray released his first caricature in 1779, the piece was called “Paddy on Horseback”. From this point forward Gillray began to create more appealing artwork and began to gain popularity amongst the people of England.

The majority of Gillray’s work can be separated into two main categories, political and social. Gillray was often referred to as “the father of the political cartoon.” Gillray first focused on becoming a “serious” artist before focusing on cartoons and caricatures but by the year 1975, he had come to the realization that his audience was much more interested in his caricatures and cartoons. Gillray was able to separate himself from other similar artists by using a “virtuoso” style of artwork. Focusing on expression, anatomy, and detail in order to create believable pieces of art.

James Gillray set a new standard for cartoonists and created many aspects that would become the norm of future political cartoons. A few of his most famous pieces are “A Voluptuary under the horrors of Digestion (1792)”, “Britannia between Scylla and Charybdis (1793), and “Uncorking Old Sherry” (1805). His audience mainly consisted of wealthy individuals and politicians. He enticed his audience using comedic aspects and poking fun at different cultural ideas and political leaders. Taking advantage of ideas that were hated by many individuals. While this separated Gillray, it also created a sense of controversy. Gillray was often brutal in his depictions and often offended individuals especially those featured in his cartoons and caricatures.

Gillray's last print was created in September of 1809. As time went on Gillray’s eyesight began to wither (around July of 1811). This caused him to indulge himself in heavy drinking, leading him to a dark place. In July of 1811, Gillray attempted to take his own life by jumping out of a second-floor window. His attempt was unsuccessful, causing him to continue his life in insanity and depression. Gillray then passed away on June 1, 1815, and was buried in St James's churchyard. James Gillray has remained and will remain one of the most influential caricaturists, and political cartoonists. Many famous artists would not have come to be without the inspiration from Gillray’s work. Gillray is highly regarded and received the ultimate tribute being featured as a puppet on the satirical show “Spitting Image”. Overall, Gillray was able to reimagine and reshape the world of cartoons and caricatures creating a sense of reality and using several aspects to appeal to many individuals and create a legacy for himself.

Works Cited:

Cavendish, Richard. “James Gillray Dies in London.” History Today, vol. 65, no. 6, June 2015, p. 9. EBSCOhost, https://search-ebscohost-com.ezproxy.uvu.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=e....

Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. "intaglio". Encyclopedia Britannica, 21 Jan. 2019, https://www.britannica.com/topic/intaglio-printing. Accessed 31 March 2022.

Kaplan, Rachel. “The Timeless Caricatures of James Gillray.” British Heritage, vol. 23, no. 5, Sept. 2002, p. 53. EBSCOhost,

James Gillray. (1970, January 1). Lambiek.Net. https://www.lambiek.net/artists/g/gillray_james.htm