Title: |
So Skiffy Skipt On, With His Wonted Grace |
Artist: |
Gillray, James (Chelsea, 1757 - London, 1815) |
Date: |
February 1, 1800 |
Medium: |
Original Hand-Coloured Etching |
Publisher: |
Hannah Humphrey, London |
Note: |
James Gillray: Viewed by many as the greatest of
all English satirical artists, James Gillray spent his youth in the rigid
religious environment of the Moravian sect. In his teens he apprenticed
to a city engraver and etched maps and bank notes. Finding it dull labour,
James Gillray ran off and joined a troupe of traveling actors. In 1778 he entered
the Royal Academy Schools and studied stipple engraving under Francesco
Bartolozzi. Gillray's first etchings were illustrations for popular literary
works of the day such as Fielding's, Tom Jones, and Goldsmith's,
The Deserted Village. |
|
At about the same time James Gillray began etching political
satires for various London publishers. His brilliant use of distortion
to portray liknesses of leading figures quickly made Gillray both famous
and infamous. In 1792 Gillray came to work exclusively for Mrs. Hannah
Humphrey and even lived and worked in her publishing shop for the rest
of his life. James Gillray's now famous portrayals of George III, Napoleon and
a host of many others were created for this publisher. It was, in fact,
Gillray's delightful invention of Napoleon as a 'manic midget' that was
crucial in forming public opinion against his aggressive military activities. |
|
From 1811, James Gillray suffered from ill health, failing eyesight
and fits of madness. By then, however, his brilliant methods had permanently
reshaped the art of satire and caricature and remain a major influence
to this day. |
|
Because of the importance of James Gillray's art many of his etched
plates were reprinted later in the nineteenth century. These later printings,
however, are usually easy to detect because of the paper used and the
fact that most of the etchings were printed on both sides of the sheet.
This original example of So Skiffy Skipt On, With His Wonted
Grace is a first edition impression issued on the stated date. |
|
A Biographical Note: 'Skiffy' was Sir Lumley
St. George Skeffington (1771-1850), a well known playwright and fop of the
day. He was both caricatured by Gillray and satirized by Lord Byron. He
belonged to the Carleton House circle and authored such plays as 'The Word
of Honour', 'The High Road to Marriage' and 'The Sleeping Beauty'. In his
delightful portrayal, James Gillray focuses upon Skiffy's resplendent attire. |
Reference: |
The National Portrait Gallery, James Gillray Etchings, 1795-1797 |
|
http://www.npg.org.uk |
|
The National Portrait Gallery in London is in the midst
of compiling and illustrating its complete collection of James Gillray
etchings. This original etching and many others are illustrated on its
web site and it is highly recommended. |
Reference: |
William Feaver, Masters of Caricature, London, Weidenfeld & Nicolson, 1981, pp. 53 - 57. |
Size: |
9 3/4 X 6 3/4 (Sizes in inches are approximate, height preceding width of plate-mark or image.) |
|
Matted with 100% Archival Materials |
Condition: |
Printed on early nineteenth century wove paper and with
margins trimmed close to the image. Glue stains from a previous backing
appear on the left margin and on the corners, verso. As well, there is
one tear in the lower margin which runs to about one inch into the image.
Else a finely printed, early impression with unfaded, original hand-colouring
and in fair condition throughout. This original hand-coloured etching
represents both a delightful and valuable example of the famous satirical
art of James Gillray. |
Price: |
Sold - The price is no longer available. |
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