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Cartoon, Pantagruels victorious return
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Cartoon, Pantagruels victorious return
Cartoon, Pantagruels victorious return to the court of Gargantua, after extirpating the Soup Meagres of Bouille Land, by James Gillray. Showing the Duke of York, handing the Keys of Paris to King George III. Date: 1794
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Media ID 14230221
© The Sharp Illustration Collection / Mary Evans Picture Library
1790s 1794 Bags Broken Criticism Gargantua Gillray Handing Harsh Heads Keys Money Moneybags Pantagruel Pitt Return Revolution Satire Soup Taxes Throne Useless Victorious Pointless
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This satirical print by James Gillray, titled "Cartoon: Pantagruel's Victorious Return to the Court of Gargantua," dates back to 1794, a pivotal year in European history marked by the French Revolution and its far-reaching political and social implications. The cartoon offers a harsh critique of the British political scene, with a particular focus on the Duke of York, who is depicted handing the keys of Paris to King George III. The scene is reminiscent of the legendary tale of Pantagruel, a giant from Rabelais's novels, who returns victorious after extirpating the Soup Meagres of Bouille Land. In this modern adaptation, Pantagruel represents the Duke of York, who had recently led an unsuccessful military campaign in Flanders against the French. The Soup Meagres are replaced by the French Revolution, symbolized by the broken heads and the overturned throne. The Duke of York's triumphant return is met with sarcasm and ridicule, as evidenced by the derisive expressions on the faces of the bystanders. King George III, dressed in his royal regalia, appears oblivious to the chaos unfolding around him, preoccupied with the bags of money and moneybags at his feet. This scene can be interpreted as a commentary on the perceived futility and pointlessness of war, as well as a critique of the British government's handling of the situation in France. The print also references the political climate of the time, with Pitt the Elder, the British Prime Minister, shown in the background, seemingly indifferent to the events unfolding before him. The cartoon's title, "Pantagruel's Victorious Return," is a bitter irony, as the Duke of York's military campaign had ended in failure, and the French Revolution was far from being quelled. Overall, this satirical print offers a fascinating glimpse into the political and social tensions of the late 18th century, providing valuable insights into the complexities of the period.
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