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Shakespeare sacrificed or the Offering of Avarice, pub. 1789 (hand coloured engraving)
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Shakespeare sacrificed or the Offering of Avarice, pub. 1789 (hand coloured engraving)
3025370 Shakespeare sacrificed or the Offering of Avarice, pub. 1789 (hand coloured engraving) by Gillray, James (1757-1815); Private Collection; (add.info.: John Boydell (1720 - 1804); ridicules Boydell, who in May 1789 had opened a A Shakespeare GalleryA, ostensibly to provide patronage for struggling British history painters; ); The Stapleton Collection; English, out of copyright
Media ID 22490142
© The Stapleton Collection / Bridgeman Images
Bottom Demon Money Bags Printing Publishing Ridicule Skeleton Spiders Web Flames
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Shakespeare Sacrificed or the Offering of Avarice - A Satirical Masterpiece
EDITORS COMMENTS
. This print captures a hand-colored engraving from 1789, created by the talented James Gillray. Titled "Shakespeare Sacrificed or the Offering of Avarice" this artwork is a brilliant example of satirical caricature. The image depicts a scene filled with symbolism and wit. In the foreground, we see men digging a grave, representing the demise of Shakespeare's legacy at the hands of greed and commercialism. Surrounding them are various Shakespearian characters, artists, and money bags, all symbolizing different aspects of this sacrificial offering to avarice. At the center stands John Boydell, an influential figure in British art patronage during that time. He had recently opened a gallery dedicated to promoting struggling history painters but was ridiculed for his ulterior motives. The cartoonish depiction shows him being consumed by flames while holding palette and brushes as if he himself has become part of his own artistic creation. The composition also includes elements such as skeletons, demons, spiders' webs - all cleverly woven into this intricate satire. Through these visual metaphors, Gillray brilliantly critiques not only Boydell's actions but also highlights broader themes like death and publishing industry practices. Overall, this hand-colored engraving is an exceptional piece that showcases Gillray's mastery in combining humor with social commentary. It serves as both entertainment and critique – inviting viewers to reflect on
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