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Cartoon, Shakespeare Sacrificed
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Cartoon, Shakespeare Sacrificed
Cartoon, Shakespeare Sacrificed; or the Offering to Avarice, by James Gillray. Showing Alderman John Boydell, an engraver and publisher, in the role of Prospero burning his books, with characters from Boydells Shakespeare Gallery appearing in the smoke. Date: 1789
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Media ID 14229726
© The Sharp Illustration Collection / Mary Evans Picture Library
1780s 1789 Alderman Avarice Bellows Bottom Brushes Burning Characters Criticism Digger Engraver Gallery Georgian Gillray Grave Greed Harsh Money Offering Paint Palette Prospero Publisher Sacrifice Sacrificed Satire Satirical Shakespeare Shakespearean Boydell Gravedigger
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This print, titled "Cartoon, Shakespeare Sacrificed; or the Offering to Avarice," is a masterpiece of satire created by the renowned British artist James Gillray in 1789. The image presents a harsh criticism of Alderman John Boydell, an engraver and publisher, who was known for his ambitious project to create a Shakespeare Gallery in London. In this cartoon, Boydell is depicted in the role of Prospero from Shakespeare's "The Tempest," sacrificing his books to the god of avarice. Surrounding the fire, characters from Boydell's Shakespeare Gallery appear in the smoke, including Gravedigger (Bottom) from "Hamlet," Artist and Palette, Brushes, and Paint from "The Two Gentlemen of Verona," and Bellows from "The Winter's Tale." The scene is a scathing commentary on Boydell's greed and the commercialization of Shakespeare's works. The 1780s were a time of significant cultural change in Georgian England, and Gillray's satirical work reflected the social and political climate of the era. This print, with its intricate details and biting wit, is a testament to Gillray's skill as a cartoonist and his ability to use humor to criticize the powerful figures of his time. The image continues to captivate audiences today, offering a unique glimpse into the historical context of the late 18th century and the complex relationship between art, commerce, and creativity.
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