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Democratic Levelling: Alliance a la Francaise, or The Union of the Coronet
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Democratic Levelling: Alliance a la Francaise, or The Union of the Coronet
NCO193103 Democratic Levelling: Alliance a la Francaise, or The Union of the Coronet and the Clyster-Pipe, published by Hannah Humphrey in 1796 (hand-coloured etching) by Gillray, James (1757-1815); Courtesy of the Warden and Scholars of New College, Oxford; (add.info.: the marriage of Lucy Rachel Stanhope to an apothecary, Thomas Taylor; daughter of Lord Charles Stanhope (1753-1816); hypocritical resentment of common son-in-law; Charles James Fox (1749-1806) depicted as the priest; ); English, out of copyright
Media ID 22599538
© Bridgeman Images
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This hand-coloured etching titled "Democratic Levelling: Alliance a la Francaise, or The Union of the Coronet and the Clyster-Pipe" is a satirical masterpiece by James Gillray. Published in 1796, it offers a biting commentary on the marriage between Lucy Rachel Stanhope and Thomas Taylor. The image depicts an elaborate wedding ceremony with various symbolic elements. Charles James Fox, a prominent Whig leader, is portrayed as the priest officiating the union. This choice highlights the hypocritical resentment towards Taylor's lower-class background despite his marriage to Lord Charles Stanhope's daughter. Gillray cleverly incorporates revolutionary imagery into this scene of social satire. A female sans-culotte wearing a liberty cap gives away the bride while holding a guillotine in her other hand, symbolizing both support for French revolution sympathizers and disdain for aristocracy. The groom is shown reading Thomas Paine's influential book "Rights of Man" further emphasizing his radical leanings. Meanwhile, society beauty Lucy Rachel Stanhope wears an elegant gown and veil but stands beside her husband at their makeshift shrine of equality. Through this caricatured portrayal, Gillray exposes societal hypocrisy surrounding class distinctions during this period. The artist skillfully uses humor to critique those who claim to champion liberty but fail to practice what they preach when it comes to matters of love and marriage. Overall, this print captures not only political tensions but also reflects on themes such as social inequality and personal freedom during one of history's most transformative periods – making it an invaluable piece within our collection at New College, Oxford.
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