Home > Animals > Insects > Hymenoptera > Honey Bee
Cartoon, Broad Bottom Drones storming the Hive
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Cartoon, Broad Bottom Drones storming the Hive
Cartoon, Broad Bottom Drones storming the Hive, Wasps, Hornets & Bumble Bees joining in the Attack, by James Gillray. Showing leading politicians (both those in power and those in opposition) in the form of stinging insects in a battle over the Treasury Bench hive. Date: 1808
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 14230323
© The Sharp Illustration Collection / Mary Evans Picture Library
1800s 1808 Ambition Attack Bees Bench Bottom Broad Bumble Career Cash Coins Comment Conservative Conservatives Criticism Drones Envy Finance Gillray Harsh Hive Honey Interests Joining Leading Money Opposition Parliament Parliamentary Policies Politicians Power Satire Satirical Stinging Storming Struggle System Tories Tory Treasury Vanity Wasps Whig Whigs Hornets
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Animals
> Insects
> Hymenoptera
> Honey Bee
> Arts
> Artists
> G
> James Gillray
> Historic
> Battles
> Related Images
> People
> Politicians
> Popular Themes
> Money
EDITORS COMMENTS
Cartoon: 'Broad Bottom Drones storming the Hive' by James Gillray (1808) is a satirical commentary on the intense political struggle over financial power and interests during the early 19th century in Britain. The cartoon depicts a swarm of stinging insects - representing leading politicians from both the ruling Tories and the opposition Whigs - in a frenzied attack on the Treasury Bench hive. Wasps, hornets, and bumblebees join in the melee, symbolizing the harsh criticism, envy, ambition, and vanity that fueled the intense political competition of the time. Politicians are personified as insects, emphasizing the idea of self-serving individuals buzzing around the honey pot of money and power. The Treasury Bench, a symbol of the British Parliamentary system and government, is shown as a hive, emphasizing the idea that political power is a valuable resource to be fought over. The politicians are depicted with distinctive features that allow viewers to identify them, adding an extra layer of commentary on the political landscape of the time. The cartoon is a harsh criticism of the political system, highlighting the career-driven nature of politicians and their relentless pursuit of power and wealth. This powerful satirical image is a testament to the political climate of the early 1800s, providing a fascinating glimpse into the world of British politics during a time of intense struggle and competition. The intricate detail and wit of James Gillray's work continue to captivate viewers and offer valuable insights into the historical context of British politics.
MADE IN THE UK
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
FREE COLORIZATION SERVICE
You can choose advanced AI Colorization for this picture at no extra charge!
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Basket.
