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Cartoon, John Bull taking a Luncheon
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Cartoon, John Bull taking a Luncheon
Cartoon, John Bull taking a Luncheon, or, British Cooks cramming Old Grumble-Gizzard with Bonne Chere, by James Gillray. Celebrate Britains victory at Aboukir Bay in August 1798. Those depicted include Admirals Howe, St Vincent, Warren, Hood, Duncan, Gardner and Nelson, while Charles James Fox can be seen through the open window. Date: 1798
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Media ID 14230241
© The Sharp Illustration Collection / Mary Evans Picture Library
1790s 1798 Aboukir Admiral Admirals Bonne Bull Celebrate Celebration Comment Cooks Criticism Duncan Eating Gardner Gillray Good Harsh Hood Howe Lunch Luncheon Nelson News Obese Overloaded Satire Satirical Stout Taking Victory Vincent Warren Abukir Chere Gizzard Grumble
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John Bull Taking a Luncheon: A Harsh Satirical Comment on British Politics in the Late 18th Century This satirical cartoon by James Gillray, titled "John Bull taking a Luncheon, or, British Cooks cramming Old Grumble-Gizzard with Bonne Chère," was published in London in 1798 to celebrate Britain's victory at Aboukir Bay in August of that year. The cartoon depicts a heavily obese John Bull, the personification of Britain, seated at a groaning table, being fed by a group of admirals, including Howe, St Vincent, Warren, Hood, Duncan, Gardner, and Nelson. The admirals are depicted as cooks, cramming John Bull's already overloaded stomach with more food and drink, represented by a large jug. Through the open window, Charles James Fox, a prominent political figure, is seen observing the scene with a smirk. The title "Bonne Chère" above the table refers to the French term for "good food," adding a layer of irony to the scene, as the French Navy had been defeated in the Battle of the Nile just a few months prior. The cartoon's harsh criticism is aimed at the British political establishment, particularly the excessive consumption and self-indulgence of the ruling class. The admirals, who had led Britain to victory, are depicted as gluttonous cooks, feeding an already overfed John Bull, symbolizing the excessive and wasteful nature of the British elite. The satire also highlights the political tensions between Fox and the ruling class, as he observes the scene from the sidelines. The cartoon reflects the political climate of the late 18th century, a time of political instability and social commentary, and underscores the importance of understanding the historical context of satirical art.
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