James Gillray Paintings & Artwork for Sale | James Gillray Art Value Price Guide

Jun. 18, 2025
GILLRAY, JAMES (1757-1815). THE WORKS OF JAMES GILLRAY, FROM THE ORIGINAL PLATES,
Est: €200 - €400
with the addition of many subjects not before collected. London, printed by Ch. Whiting for H.G. Bohn, n.d. (ca. 1850). Letterpress title-p., aquatint frontisp. portrait and 587 ills. in var. techniques and w. var. sizes (incl. full-p. and double-p. ills.) on plates, counted 1-582 (skipping 238), 86*, 100*, 207* and 379* to 379***, cont. hmor, gilt and ribbed spine w. mor letterpiece, a.e.g., large folio, 65 x 51 cm. This copy includes plates only, without the text vol. and without the separately published vol. w. 45 suppressed ills. on 23 plates. Internally in very good condition. Spine-ends dam, covers worn along extremities, leather and paper of covers scratched/ chafed. *Gillray is known as "the father of the political cartoon", one of the master caricaturists of his day.
Zwiggelaar Auctions
Jun. 18, 2025
Gillray, James
Est: £400 - £600
Gillray, James Bruin in his Boat - or - The Manager in Distress London: H. Humphrey, June 1806, hand-coloured engraving, c.32 x 41cm, framed and glazed
Lyon & Turnbull
Jun. 08, 2025
James Gillray: Consequences of a Successful French Invasion
Est: $40 - $60
James Gillray Consequences of a Successful French Invasion No. 1. Plates 1st. We come to recover your long lost Liberties - Scene. The House of Commons London James Gillray, March 1st 1798. 31.5cm x 36cm. Etching printed in sanguine. A satirical depiction of the House of Commons if the planned French invasion was successful, a caption in the image reads "This house adjourned to Botany Bay" with the members of the House garbed as convicts, shackled for their journey. The first in a series of four plates engraved by Gillray after descriptions written by Sir John Dalrymple which illustrate the impact Napoleon's invasion would have on English society. The plate was restruck in a more commonly found edition by Bohn in the 1850s, this is the original 1798 impression. Laid on paper, edge trimmed. A few old creases and discolouration. Some small scorch marks with minor loss to the bottom edge. Art
The Book Merchant Jenkins
Apr. 30, 2025
GILLRAY, James. "News from Calabria! Capture of Buenos Ayres!...", gravura s/ papel, 1806. Dim. aprox. total.: 42,5 Emoldurado
Est: €60 - €120
GILLRAY, James. "News from Calabria! Capture of Buenos Ayres! - i.e. - the Comforts of an Imperial Déjeuné at St- Clouds" Gravura a negro sobre papel, impressa por Hannah Humphrey a 13 de Setembro de 1806, Londres Cena humorístico-satírica representando Napoleão no Château de St. Cloud, puxando a orelha a Talleyrand, seu Ministro dos Negócios Estrangeiros, após a derrota dos franceses na batalha de Maida (Calábria, Itália), e em Buenos Aires, contra as tropas britânicas. No lado direito da cena várias figuras representando os seus países apresentam motes ou frases que resumem de forma estereotipada as suas posições no contexto geopolítico europeu da época. Dim. aprox.: 24 x 35 cm; Dim. aprox. total: 42,5 x 53 cm. Papel amarelecido com manchas e leves vincos. Emoldurado (falhas)
Palácio do Correio Velho
Apr. 24, 2025
Satire.- Gillray (James) Five original satirical caricatures, etchings, 19th century; and 13 others (17)
Est: £300 - £400
Satire.- Gillray (James) Five original satirical caricatures, including 'A Man of Importance', 'The Hustings. Vox Populi', 'Tales of Wonder', 'Uncle Toby retired into his Centry Box', and 'The Jubilee', etchings, the first four mentioned with hand-colouring, various sizes about 370 x 280 mm (14 1/2 x 11 in), and smaller, some trimmed, handling creases, surface dirt and browning, unframed, circa 1782 to 1802; and 13 other later impression Gillray prints by Bohn etc., and others after Gillray, various sizes, 19th century (17)
Forum Auctions - UK
Apr. 24, 2025
Satire.- Gillray (James) Alecto and her Train, at the Gate of Pandaemonium:-or-The Recruiting Sarjeant Enlisting John-Bull, into the Revolution Service, etching, 1791
Est: £400 - £600
Satire.- Gillray (James) Alecto and her Train, at the Gate of Pandaemonium:-or-The Recruiting Sarjeant Enlisting John-Bull, into the Revolution Service, etching with original hand-colouring, sheet 392 x 452 mm (15 3/8 x 17 3/4 in), trimmed to platemark at lower edge, otherwise small margins, marginal loss to the upper left and upper right corner, small tear in the upper centre, minor handling creases, light spotting and browning, unframed, 1791 Literature: BM Satires 7889
Forum Auctions - UK
Apr. 16, 2025
After James Gillray (British 1757 - 1815) 5 x Reproductions, "Wife & No Wife" "A Voluptuary" "Temperance" "Bandelures" "The Morning After Marriage", Published for the Sunday Times Magazine
Est: R1,000 - R1,500
After James Gillray (British 1757 - 1815) 5 x Reproductions, "Wife & No Wife" "A Voluptuary" "Temperance" "Bandelures" "The Morning After Marriage", Published for the Sunday Times Magazine, Each Numbered 2462/2500 in Pencil, 37 x 29 (x2) 30 x 41 42 x 50 & 36 x 44 sheet size
5th Avenue Auctioneers
Apr. 05, 2025
Gillray, James (1756 Chelsea - 1815 London, britischer Grafiker und Karikaturist, nach) - "Ci-Devant Occupations -or- Madame Talian and the Empress Josephine dancing Naked before Barrass in the Winter
Est: €380 - €1,140
Gillray, James (1756 Chelsea - 1815 London, britischer Grafiker und Karikaturist, nach) - "Ci-Devant Occupations -or- Madame Talian and the Empress Josephine dancing Naked before Barrass in the Winter of 1797. - A Fact! / oder Madam Talian und die Kaiserin Josephine tanzen nackt vor Barrass im Winter 1797. - eine Tatsache!", politische Karikatur über Napoleon, Paul Barras, Josephine und Mademoiselle de Fontenay, handkolorierte Radierung, Druck bei H. Humphrey, St. James Street London 1805, unten links typografisch bezeichnet "Js. Gillray des. & fec.", unter der Darstellung mit Titel und satirischem Textkommentar in Englisch, Plattenmaße ca. 31 x 46 cm, Papier etwas gebräunt, im Passepartout unter Glas gerahmt, Gesamtmaße ca. 50,5 x 64,5 cm
Auktionshaus Blank
Apr. 05, 2025
Gillray, James (1756 Chelsea - 1815 London, britischer Grafiker und Karikaturist, nach) - Politische Karikatur, handkolorierte Radierung, unten links typografisch bezeichnet "Gilray fec. London", oben
Est: €180 - €540
Gillray, James (1756 Chelsea - 1815 London, britischer Grafiker und Karikaturist, nach) - Politische Karikatur, handkolorierte Radierung, unten links typografisch bezeichnet "Gilray fec. London", oben rechts in der Darstellung datiert "1804", satirische Darstellung mit Vertretern des Osmanischen Reiches, Großbritanniens und Österreichs, mit Beschriftungen in Deutsch, Darstellungsmaße ca. 15,5 x 23,5 cm, horizontale und vertikale Faltspuren, Papier etwas gebräunt, im Passepartout unter Glas gerahmt, Gesamtmaße ca. 26,5 x 34 cm
Auktionshaus Blank
Apr. 05, 2025
After James Gillray (British 1757 - 1815) 5 x Reproductions, "Wife & No Wife" "A Voluptuary" "Temperance" "Bandelures" "The Morning After Marriage"
Est: R1,000 - R1,500
After James Gillray (British 1757 - 1815) 5 x Reproductions, "Wife & No Wife" "A Voluptuary" "Temperance" "Bandelures" "The Morning After Marriage", Published for the Sunday Times Magazine, Each Numbered 2462/2500 in Pencil, 37 x 29 (x2) 30 x 41 42 x 50 & 36 x 44 sheet size
5th Avenue Auctioneers
Mar. 30, 2025
JAMES GILLRAY - The National Assembly Revivified
Est: $40 - $50
JAMES GILLRAY (British, 1756-1815) "The National Assembly Revivified" 20th-century impression - Etching on off-white antique paper. Signed in play lower left, titled in plate lower centre. Unframed. 6 x 8 inches (15.3 x 20.5 cm). Very good condition, sheet is cropped close to the faux border which has eliminated the raised plate mark. From the Gary Robertson Historical Print Collection (Regina).
Saskatchewan Network for Art Collecting
Mar. 29, 2025
After James Gillray (1756-1815) Cockney Sportsmen
Est: $100 - $15,000
After James Gillray (1756-1815) A Set of Four Cockney Sportsmen Prints. Four Plates each framed, Printed November 1800 by Hannah Humphrey (1746- c 1818). Set comprised of - Plate 1st: Cockney Sportsmen Marking Game; Plate 2nd: Cockney Sportsmen Shooting and Flying; Plate 3rd: Cockney Sportsmen Recharging; Plate 4th: Cockney Sportsmen Finding a Hare. All framed measuring 7.75 inches H x 10.75 W. Some water damage, loss in spots.
Kavanagh Auctions
Mar. 18, 2025
[THE FRENCH IN THE PACIFIC], JAMES GILLRAY (1765-1815), "The CANEING in Conduit Street. Dedicated to the Flag Officers of the British Navy", [London : 1798; the Bohn restrike of 1851, authorized by Gillray's widow], hand coloured, 26 x 35cm, 44 x 54
Est: $200 - $300
[THE FRENCH IN THE PACIFIC], JAMES GILLRAY (1765-1815), "The CANEING in Conduit Street. Dedicated to the Flag Officers of the British Navy", [London : 1798; the Bohn restrike of 1851, authorized by Gillray's widow], hand coloured, 26 x 35cm, 44 x 54cm overall. Gillray caricatures Thomas Pitt's streetcorner assault on George Vancouver. Pitt came aboard HMS Discovery to partake in the Vancouver Expedition to the Pacific. While at Tahiti, Pitt was flogged for trying to trade a piece of broken barrel-hoop for the romantic favours of an island woman. Vancouver had given strict orders against romancing the natives. Pitt was flogged again for unauthorized trade with Indians at Port Stewart and then again for breaking the binnacle glass while skylarking with another gentleman. On their return to England, Pitt challenged Vancouver to a duel. Vancouver gravely replied that he was unable "in a private capacity to answer for his public conduct in his official duty" and offered instead to submit to formal examination by flag officers. Pitt chose instead to stalk Vancouver, ultimately assaulting him on a London street corner.
Leski Auctions Pty Ltd
Mar. 12, 2025
James Gillray, Sandwich-carrots! Dainty sandwich-carrots
Est: £400 - £600
James Gillray, British 1756-1815- Sandwich-carrots! Dainty sandwich-carrots; hand-coloured engraving on paper, published by Henry George Bohn in 1851, numbered '427' (within the plate, upper right), with the 'Exaltation of Faro's Daughters' printed verso, 35.5 x 25.5 cm. (unframed). Provenance: Collection of Peter Jackson, UK. Private Collection, UK.
Roseberys
Mar. 05, 2025
James Gillray: Consequences of a Successful French Invasion
Est: $120 - $160
James Gillray Consequences of a Successful French Invasion No. 1. Plates 1st. We come to recover your long lost Liberties - Scene. The House of Commons London James Gillray, March 1st 1798. 31.5cm x 36cm. Etching printed in sanguine. A satirical depiction of the House of Commons if the planned French invasion was successful, a caption in the image reads "This house adjourned to Botany Bay" with the members of the House garbed as convicts, shackled for their journey. The first in a series of four plates engraved by Gillray after descriptions written by Sir John Dalrymple which illustrate the impact Napoleon's invasion would have on English society. The plate was restruck in a more commonly found edition by Bohn in the 1850s, this is the original 1798 impression. Laid on paper, edge trimmed. A few old creases and discolouration. Some small scorch marks with minor loss to the bottom edge. Art
The Book Merchant Jenkins
Feb. 21, 2025
JAMES GILLRAY (UK, 1757-1815)
Est: $300 - $400
JAMES GILLRAY (UK, 1757-1815) "Market-Day', subtitled "Every Man has his Price", "Sir Rt. Walpole" & "Sic itur ad astra" (such is the way to immortality). A political engraving lampooning the selection of a new Prime Minister mINISTER, Published Nay 2d, 1788 by S.W. Fores, Piccadilly.; Samuel William Fores (baptized 1761-1838). In black and silver frame, matted under glass, OS: 21 1/2" x 27 1/2", SS: 12 3/4" x 18 1/4", light foxing.
Thomaston Place Auction Galleries
Feb. 21, 2025
JAMES GILLRAY (UK, 1757-1815)
Est: $500 - $700
JAMES GILLRAY (UK, 1757-1815) (5) British Satirical hand colored etchings from his "Musicians" series, four of five in matching water gilt frames, the fifth is very similar, the prints include: "The Pic-Nic Orchestra"; "A Little Music, or the Delights of Harmony"; "Ars Musica"; "A Country Concert, or an Evenings Entertainment in Sussex"; "Playing in Parts". In gilt molded frame with french-ruled mat, under glass, OS: 16" x 20", (the odd frame is slightly larger), SS: 10" x 14".
Thomaston Place Auction Galleries
Feb. 21, 2025
JAMES GILLRAY (UK, 1757-1815)
Est: $300 - $400
JAMES GILLRAY (UK, 1757-1815) (3) British Caricature Portraits, all published by HH Humphrey, 1792-1796, hand colored engravings, including: "Neck or Nothing" (del by Mrs. Keats) PLUS "Hint to Modern Sculptors as an Ornament to a Future Square" (military equine); PLUS "Billy the Gamekeeper" (no color), in matching size gilt molded frames, matted under glass, OS: 21" x 17", SS varies, 13" x 9" to 10" x 9".
Thomaston Place Auction Galleries
Feb. 21, 2025
JAMES GILLRAY (UK, 1757-1815)
Est: $300 - $400
JAMES GILLRAY (UK, 1757-1815) (3) British Caricature Portraits, all published by HH Humphrey,1796, hand colored engravings, including: "A Slice of Gloster" PLUS Two versions of For improving the Breed" both captioned "Sketch'd at Wirtemberg" (sic) in matching gilt molded frames, matted under glass, OS: 18" x 14", SS varies, 13" x 9" to 10" x 5 1/2' to 10" x 7", 'Gloster' folded.
Thomaston Place Auction Galleries
Jan. 30, 2025
Gillray (James) Tiddy-doll, the great French-Gingerbread-Baker; drawing out a new Batch of Kings, etching with hand-colouring, 1806; and five others, 18th and 19th century (6)
Est: £600 - £800
Gillray (James) Tiddy-doll, the great French-Gingerbread-Baker; drawing out a new Batch of Kings, etching with original hand-colouring, on wove paper without watermark, platemark 258 x 380 mm (10 1/8 x 15 in) , sheet 286 x 405 mm (11 1/4 x 15 3/4 in), small but good margins, some toning and minor browning, unframed, published by Hannah Humphrey, unframed, 1806; together with five further unframed miscellaneous prints, 18th and 19th century (6) Literature: BM Satires 10581 ⁂ Satire on Napoleonic imperialism after The Battle of Austerlitz, following which Austria renounced all further rights over Bavaria, Würtemberg, and Baden, whose princes were vassal-allies of France. Napoleon is depicted as a London street seller of gingerbread cakes, with all Sovereigns and countries humiliated by him having been swept into the 'Ash-Hole'.
Forum Auctions - UK
Jan. 30, 2025
Fashion satire.- Gillray (James) Modern-Elegance, A Portrait, 1795
Est: £400 - £600
Fashion satire.- Gillray (James) Modern-Elegance, A Portrait, etching with original hand-colouring, on wove paper without watermark, platemark 353 x 245 mm (13 7/8 x 9 5/8 in), small margins, repaired tear to the right edge just below centre, handling creases, unframed, [BM Satires 8719], published by Hannah Humphrey, 1795; together with three further Gillray satirical prints, including 'Les Invisibles' [BM 11612], 'La Walse.| Le Bon Genre' [BM 11613], and 'A spencer & a thread-paper' [BM 8192], etchings, with original hand-colouring, between 260 x 210 mm (10 1/4 x 8 1/4 in) and 255 x 330 mm (10 x 13 in), occasional minor surface dirt and light browning, unframed, 1792-1810 (4)
Forum Auctions - UK
Dec. 07, 2024
Antique Political Engraving by James Gillray.
Est: $200 - $400
Light expelling darkness, - evaporation of stygian exhalations, - or - the sun of the constitution, rising superior to the clouds of opposition (Caricature of King George III as Apollo) Artist(s): James Gillray (English, 1756-1815), Published by Hannah Humphrey. Medium: Hand-colored engraving. Signature(s): Attributions in lower margins. Paperwork: N/A Damage: Tear through the word "sun". Creases and toning from age. Measurement(s): 13 1/2" x 17 1/2" (impression), 22" x 26" (frame) In-house shipping is available. Please see our website regarding our in-house shipping procedures.
Direct Auction Galleries, Inc.
Dec. 06, 2024
Gillray, James
Est: €120 - €180
(1757 Chelsea - London 1815). 5 Bl. mit 8 Radierungen tls. mit Aquatinta bei H.Humphrey, Ldn. 1798. Blgr. je ca. 28 x 20 cm. Meist mit dem Monogr. u. dem Namenszug des Verlegers u. Datum i.d. Platte. Jwls. unter Passep. mont. ╔Dabei: Honoré Daumier╗ (1808-1879) nach. 3 Bl. Lithographien aus Robert Macaire, um 1850. Blgr. 26,5 x 20,5 cm. Unter Passep. mont., innenlieg. 2 Textbl. Zus. 10 Bl.
Kiefer Buch- und Kunstauktionen
Nov. 30, 2024
Gillray - 6 Pages of Satirical Folio Engravings
Est: $1,000 - $2,000
This witty, folio engraving is from James Gillray. It was part of either of his works titled The Genuine Works of James Gillray or Illustrative Description of the Genuine Works of Mr. James Gillray. The works were published in London by Thomas McLean in 1830. James Gillray (1756-1815) was the "father of the political cartoon." He used his scathing humor and expert draughtsmanship to produce some of the best and most formative political satire. Some of his most noted cartoons / caricatures are of George III, Napoleon I, and William Pitt.
Trillium Antique Prints & Rare Books
Nov. 20, 2024
James Gillray, British 1756-1815- Bank Notes - Paper Money; - French Alarmists - o the Devil, the
Est: £250 - £350
James Gillray, British 1756-1815- Bank Notes - Paper Money; - French Alarmists - o the Devil, the Devil! - ah! poor John Bull!!!; etching on paper, signed 'Js Gy invt' (within the plate, lower edge), 15.8 x 21.8 cm. Provenance: Private Collection, UK. Note: The Library of Congress describes how this print 'shows William Pitt the Younger as a bank-clerk offering a handful of bank-notes to John Bull, who holds out his hand for the notes as Charles James Fox says to him "Dont take his damn'd Paper, John! insist upon having Gold, to make your Peace with the French, when they come" and Richard Brinsley Sheridan says "Dont take his Notes! nobody takes Notes now! - they'll not even take Mine!" John Bull answers: "I wool take it! - a' may as well let my Measter Billy hold the Gold to keep away you Frenchmen, as save it, to gee it you, when ye come over, with your domn'd invasion" as other Foxites raise their hands in warning and Charles Stanhope stands in profile. Alexander Wedderburn, Lloyd Kenyon, and William Grenville carry large sacks of notes on their heads in the distance and a bill headed: 'Order of Council to the Bank of England' is posted on the counter.'
Roseberys
Nov. 19, 2024
James Gillray (1756-1815)
Est: £300 - £500
James Gillray (1756-1815) 'The King Brobdingnag and Gulliver (Plate 2nd) Scene - Gulliver Manoeuv'ring with his Little Boat in the Cistern' hand-coloured etching, published by H Humphrey, London, 1804 35 x 46cm Condition Report: Framed: 49 x 60cm Foxing and time staining. Light creasing. Not viewed out of glazed frame.
Sworders
Nov. 14, 2024
James Gillray Ladies dress, as it will soon be.
Est: €150 - €200
Etching, 326 x 241 mm. Printed on heavy wove paper. In general good condition except for scattered stains and two tears on the lower margin, restored on the verso.
Bertolami Fine Art s.r.l.
Nov. 07, 2024
James Gillray (British, 1756-1815), THREE WORKS: A MARCH TO THE BANK, (1787); THE BENGAL LEVEE (1792); FATIGUES OF THE CAMPAIGN IN FLANDERS (1783)
Est: $500 - $700
James Gillray (British, 1756-1815) THREE WORKS: A MARCH TO THE BANK, (1787); THE BENGAL LEVEE (1792); FATIGUES OF THE CAMPAIGN IN FLANDERS (1783) each hand coloured on wove paper, framed Estimate: $500—700 CAD
Waddington's
Nov. 04, 2024
GILLRAY, James. "News from Calabria! Capture of Buenos Ayres!...", gravura s/ papel, 1806. Dim. aprox. total.: 42,5 Emoldurado
Est: €120 - €240
GILLRAY, James. "News from Calabria! Capture of Buenos Ayres! - i.e. - the Comforts of an Imperial Déjeuné at St- Clouds" Gravura a negro sobre papel, impressa por Hannah Humphrey a 13 de Setembro de 1806, Londres Cena humorístico-satírica representando Napoleão no Château de St. Cloud, puxando a orelha a Talleyrand, seu Ministro dos Negócios Estrangeiros, após a derrota dos franceses na batalha de Maida (Calábria, Itália), e em Buenos Aires, contra as tropas britânicas. No lado direito da cena várias figuras representando os seus países apresentam motes ou frases que resumem de forma estereotipada as suas posições no contexto geopolítico europeu da época. Dim. aprox.: 24 x 35 cm; Dim. aprox. total: 42,5 x 53 cm. Papel amarelecido com manchas e leves vincos. Emoldurado (falhas)
Palácio do Correio Velho
Sep. 26, 2024
James Gillray (1756 - 1815), A Man Of Importance (
Est: £80 - £120
James Gillray (1756 - 1815), A Man Of Importance (1st Marquis of Hastings, etching, 1799, 35cm x 25cm, unframed
Burstow & Hewett
Sep. 22, 2024
JAMES GILLRAY - The National Assembly Revivified
Est: $45 - $60
JAMES GILLRAY (British, 1756-1815) "The National Assembly Revivified" 20th-century impression - Etching on off-white antique paper. Signed in play lower left, titled in plate lower centre. Unframed. 6 x 8 inches (15.3 x 20.5 cm). Very good condition, sheet is cropped close to the faux border which has eliminated the raised plate mark. From the Gary Robertson Historical Print Collection (Regina).
Saskatchewan Network for Art Collecting
Jul. 30, 2024
James Gillray (1756-1815)
Est: £150 - £200
James Gillray (1756-1815) The head of King Louis XVI being cut off by a guillotine, 1793 a hand-coloured etching by James Gillray, printed by H Humphrey, of the execution scene, the text reads 'The blood of the murdered crying for vengeance. This exact representation of that instrument of French refinement in assassination, the Guillotine is submitted to the Gentlemen of the Phalanx & other well-wishers to the King and Constitution of Great Britain, by their devoted Servants at Command The Assassins of the King of France. Js. Gy. desn. et fect. pro bono publico' plate mark 36 x 26cm, window mounted Condition Report: small crease close to middle of right hand boarder - generally excellent condition - nice hand colouring
Sworders
Jul. 25, 2024
[HAND-COLORED PRINTS]. [GILLRAY, James (1756-1815)]. “Posti...
Est: $400 - $600
[HAND-COLORED PRINTS]. [GILLRAY, James (1756-1815)]. “Posting in Ireland” [and] “Posting in Scotland.” London: H. Humphrey, April 8th 1805 [and] May 25th 1805. Pair of hand-colored aquatint satirical plates by Gillray after C. Loraine Smith, Esq. Sizes 13 ½ x 19 and 12 ¾ x 15 ¾”. Some toning, margins with short tears or chips, “Scotland” has a contemporary ink note at lower left corner, “Ireland” has glue residue on verso. Very good. Rare hand-colored humorous prints, satirizing (and insulting) the local people of Ireland and Scotland.
Potter & Potter Auctions Inc.
Jul. 24, 2024
Gillray (James). Vices Overlook'd in the New Proclamation, London: H. Humphreys, May 24th 1792
Est: £300 - £500
Gillray (James). Vices Overlook'd in the New Proclamation, London: H. Humphreys, May 24th 1792 * Gillray (James). Vices Overlook'd in the New Proclamation. To the Commons of Great Britain, this representation of Vices, which remain unforbidden by Proclamation, is dedicated, as proper for imitation, and in place of the more dangerous ones of Thinking, Speaking & Writing, now forbidden by Authority, London: H. Humphreys, May 24th 1792, etching on wove with contemporary hand-colouring, pencil inscriptions to margins naming the individuals depicted, red-inked collectors monogram 'MW' below a rampant lion plus small areas of tape residue to top margin on verso, small margins, sheet size 280 x 380 mm QTY: (1) NOTE: BM Satires 8095. Gillrays title refers to The Royal Proclamation Against Seditious Writings and Publications issued by George III on 21 May 1792, a response to the growth of radicalism in Britain inspired by the French Revolution. The proclamation threatened Gillrays career and this engraving is a direct attack against the Kings hypocrisy, illustrating the well-known vices of him and his family. Avarice shows the King and Queen grasping at sacks of money, Drunkeness shows the Prince of Wales being led away from a brothel in a drunken state, Gambling shows Frederick, Duke of York raising a dice-box at a gambling table. Debauchery shows Prince William Henry with his latest mistress, Mrs. Jordan, whose name was also popular slang for a chamber pot.
Dominic Winter Auctions
Jul. 24, 2024
Gillray (James). Two Penny Whist, H. Humphrey, Jany. 11th 1796
Est: £200 - £300
Gillray (James). Two Penny Whist, H. Humphrey, Jany. 11th 1796 * Gillray (James). Two Penny Whist, H. Humphrey, Jany. 11th 1796, etching with contemporary hand-colouring, trimmed to the plate mark, slight dust soiling and staining, old adhesion scaring to the verso, 235 x 350 mm, with another copy similar but trimmed inside the neat line 225 x 340 mm QTY: (2) NOTE: BM Satires number 8885. A social caricature of a game at whist. Betty on the left, produces the ace of spades, with which she is about to take her seventh consecutive trick. Her fellow card players appear less than pleased. Her mistress, Miss H. Humphrey - Gillray's publisher - sits on her left. The two men are said to be Tholdal, a German and Bettys partner, Mortimer, a picture dealer and restorer. This print - although reversed - can be seen in Gillrays "Very Slippy-Weather" which was published in 1808 and shows the front of Hannah Humphrey's print shop.
Dominic Winter Auctions
Jul. 24, 2024
Gillray (James). The Wine Duty..., H, Humphrey, April 20th 1796
Est: £300 - £500
Gillray (James). The Wine Duty..., H, Humphrey, April 20th 1796 * Gillray (James). The Wine Duty - or - The Triumph of Bacchus & Silenus with John Bulls Remonstrance, H, Humphrey, April 20th 1796, etching on wove with bright contemporary hand-colouring, large margins, small area of adhesion scaring to the verso QTY: (1) NOTE: BM Satires 8798. As the war against France continued into 1796, Prime Minister William Pitt and his Secretary of State, Henry Dundas, had to keep coming up with new taxes to pay for the ongoing expenses of the conflict, in this case wine. Pitt and Dundas are shown as the young wine god, Dionysus (or Bacchus as he was known in the Roman world) and his older companion and advisor, the ever-drunken Silenus flaunting their inebriation, and enjoying the pleasures of wine that poor John Bull can no longer afford. The portrayal was not far from the truth, as Pitt and Dundas were hardened drinkers in an age of hard drinkers, and Gillray was well aware of their reputations.
Dominic Winter Auctions
Jul. 24, 2024
Gillray (James). The Tree of Liberty - with the Devil Tempting John Bull, 1798
Est: £400 - £600
Gillray (James). The Tree of Liberty - with the Devil Tempting John Bull, 1798 * Gillray (James). The Tree of Liberty - with the Devil Tempting John Bull, H. Humphrey, May 23rd 1798, etching on laid with contemporary hand-colouring, large margins, toned overall, old hinges to verso, 365 x 260 mm, together with a smaller hand-coloured example originally published in 'London und Paris', old folds, 225 x 170 mm QTY: (2) NOTE: BM Satires 9214. Charles Fox in the role of Satan, is shown offering the false fruit of French Ideology to John Bull. Fox's 'Tree of Liberty' is a barren and leafless item and its fruit is rotten and half-eaten and comprises of "Conspiracy," "Treason," "Murder," and "Atheism," "Blasphemy," and "Impiety." Behind Fox and his bare tree is a contrasting English oak tree, which is verdant and green and draws its strength from the three foundational roots of British political life: the "Commons," the "King," and the "Lords." Those roots produce a solid and upright trunk of "Justice," with branches of "Law" and "Religion" and its fruit includes "Freedom," "Happiness," and "Security."
Dominic Winter Auctions
Jul. 24, 2024
Gillray (James). The State of War, or, the Monkey-Race in danger, London: 1799
Est: £500 - £800
Gillray (James). The State of War, or, the Monkey-Race in danger, London: 1799 * Gillray (James). The State of War, or, the Monkey-Race in danger, London: H. Humphreys, May 20th 1799, etching on wove with contemporary hand-colouring, small tear to margin to lower left corner, small areas of tape to top margin, small paper residue to corners on verso, sheet 300 x 480 mm QTY: (1) NOTE: BM Satires (9388). French soldiers are shown fleeing or being devoured and killed by the British Lion or the Russian bear. A crescent-faced Turkish figure is shown grasping Bonaparte and raising a blood-stained scimitar. The two-headed Habsburg eagle flies above the scene, clutching thunderbolts and tearing a bonnet-rouge in its beak
Dominic Winter Auctions
Jul. 24, 2024
Gillray (James). The Royal Bull-Fight, London: H. Humphreys, February 8th, 1806
Est: £200 - £300
Gillray (James). The Royal Bull-Fight, London: H. Humphreys, February 8th, 1806 * Gillray (James). The Royal Bull-Fight, London: H. Humphreys, February 8th, 1806, etching on wove with contemporary hand-colouring, paper residue to margins to verso, trimmed to plate mark with minor loss to text to lower margin, sheet size 250 x 350 mm QTY: (1) NOTE: BM Satires 8691. Pitt is shown as a toreador riding a white horse and brandishing a spear against a bull (John Bull) which snorts fire and suffers from wounds. Numerous spectators made up of Royals and politicians look on from the stalls behind the pair.
Dominic Winter Auctions
Jul. 24, 2024
Gillray (James). The Republican-Hercules Defending his Country, H. Humphrey, 1797
Est: £400 - £600
Gillray (James). The Republican-Hercules Defending his Country, H. Humphrey, 1797 * Gillray (James). The Republican-Hercules Defending his Country, H. Humphrey, Feby. 19th 1797, etched caricature on wove with contemporary hand-colouring, some marginal fraying with slight loss, repaired on verso, slight surface abrasion to the printed image, old adhesion scaring to the verso, 365 x 255 mm, together with French - Telegraph making Signals in the Dark, H. Humphrey, Jany. 26th 1795, etching with aquatint, contemporary hand-colouring, old adhesion scaring to the verso, 245 x 350 mm QTY: (2) NOTE: BM Satires numbers 8987 & 8612. Two caricatures on the perennial theme of Charles Fox's ambiguous and equivocal approach to France, its revolution and the threat it posed to the British Isles. The first print shows Fox 'pulling the strings' of an invading French fleet. In the second, Fox is signalling - with the newly invented semaphore - to a French armada that creeps across the English Channel. Gillray clearly regards Fox's behaviour as deeply disloyal and possibly treasonous.
Dominic Winter Auctions
Jul. 24, 2024
Gillray (James). The Republican Attack, H. Humphrey, Novr. 1st 1795
Est: £200 - £300
Gillray (James). The Republican Attack, H. Humphrey, Novr. 1st 1795 * Gillray (James). The Republican Attack, H. Humphrey, Novr. 1st 1795, etching on wove with contemporary hand-colouring, large margins, slight marginal dust soiling and staining, occasional marginal closed tears, but not affecting the printed image, 250 x 350 mm QTY: (1) NOTE: BM Satires 8681. When the King drove to open parliament on the 29th of October 1795. his coach was attacked by a mob and a stone or bullet pierced the glass in the window of his coach. Gillray's caricature replicates the incident but with William Pitt as the coachman who drives his team over a prostrate Britannia. The attacking protagonists are the republican whigs with Lord Lansdowne, a sansculotte, firing a blunderbuss at the King, while Fox and Sheridan, facing Lansdowne, run beside the coach, holding on to it. Both are depicted as tattered ruffians brandishing clubs.
Dominic Winter Auctions
Jul. 24, 2024
Gillray (James). The Reception of the Diplomatique & his Suite..., H, Humphrey, Sept 14th 1792
Est: £1,000 - £1,500
Gillray (James). The Reception of the Diplomatique & his Suite..., H, Humphrey, Sept 14th 1792 * Gillray (James). The Reception of the Diplomatique & his Suite, at the Court of Pekin, published H. Humphrey, Sept. 14th 1792, etching on wove with bright contemporary hand colouring, large margins, one contemporary marginal manuscript annotation identifying Lord Macartney, small areas of adhesion scaring to the verso, 315 x 400 mm QTY: (1) NOTE: BM Satires number 8121. Great Britain's Embassy in China was led by Lord Macartney who famously ignored the etiquette of the Chinese court and refused to abase himself in front of the Emperor; on the grounds that such prostrations were unbecoming for a representative of the British Sovereign. As a result, he was summarily dismissed and told to leave Peking within two days. As well as destroying Macartney's career it removed any influence that Great Britain had in China for several years. One of Lord Macartney's attaches described the experience thus. 'We entered Pekin like paupers, remained in it like prisoners and departed from it like vagrants'. Gillray brilliantly captures the magnitude of the diplomatic disaster in this scathing political caricature.
Dominic Winter Auctions
Jul. 24, 2024
Gillray (James). The Generae of Patriotism, 1796
Est: £300 - £500
Gillray (James). The Generae of Patriotism, 1796 * Gillray (James). The Generae of Patriotism - or - The Bloomsbury Farmer planting Bedfordshire Wheat, London: H. Humphreys, February 3rd, 1796, etching on wove with contemporary hand-colouring, paper residue to corners to verso, sheet size 280 x 420 mm, together with another example, uncoloured and trimmed to printed area, sheet size 250 x 350 mm QTY: (2) NOTE: BM Satires 8783. The Duke of Bedford is shown as a farmer happily sewing guineas from a sack on his back. As he sows, bonnets-rouges with daggers progressively sprout from the ground. The sun is in the shape of Fox's face and shines down upon the scene.
Dominic Winter Auctions
Jul. 24, 2024
Gillray (James). The Funeral Procession of Miss Regency, S. W. Fores, April 20th 1786
Est: £200 - £300
Gillray (James). The Funeral Procession of Miss Regency, S. W. Fores, April 20th 1786 * Gillray (James). The Funeral Procession of Miss Regency, S. W. Fores, April 20th 1786, uncoloured etched caricature on laid, slight staining and dust soiling, old folds, small areas of adhesion scaring to the verso, later explanatory manuscript note pasted to the verso, 215 x 690 mm QTY: (1) NOTE: BM Satires 7526. A satire on the withdrawal of the Regency Bill on the occasion of the King's recovery. A huge disappointment to the Whig politicians, who follow the coffin, and who saw a route to power through the Prince Regent. In the centre of the caricature is a weeping Mrs Fitzherbert who was believed to have been secretly married to the Prince of Wales and is lamenting her thwarted ambition.
Dominic Winter Auctions
Jul. 24, 2024
Gillray (James). The Explanation, H. Humphrey, May 30th 1798
Est: £300 - £500
Gillray (James). The Explanation, H. Humphrey, May 30th 1798 * Gillray (James). The Explanation, H. Humphrey, May 30th 1798, etching on wove with bright contemporary hand-colouring, old tape hinge to the upper margin, 260 x 365 mm, together with a smaller uncoloured example originally published in 'London und Paris', 160 x 225 mm QTY: (2) NOTE: BM Satires 9219. A political caricature recording the duel on Putney Heath between Pitt and his fierce critic, the Whig politician George Tierney, who had been accused by Pitt of being unpatriotic.
Dominic Winter Auctions
Jul. 24, 2024
Gillray (James). The Dissolution - or - The Alchymist producing an Aetherial Representation, 1786
Est: £200 - £400
Gillray (James). The Dissolution - or - The Alchymist producing an Aetherial Representation, 1786 * Gillray (James). The Dissolution - or - The Alchymist producing an Aetherial Representation, H. Humphrey, May 21st 1786, etching on laid with contemporary hand-colouring, slight abrasion and thinning with one small hole in the upper left corner, thread margins, 350 x 260 mm, QTY: (1) NOTE: BM Satires 8805. Pitt is depicted as an alchemist. He sits in his laboratory blowing a furnace with bellows formed by a royal crown. The furnace heats a large glass retort in which the House of Commons is being dissolved. The distillation shows Pitt as an all-powerful dictator with his 'subjects' prostrating themselves before a miniature Pitt, who sits on a throne which replaces the Speaker's chair, and is inscribed 'Perpetual Dictator'.
Dominic Winter Auctions
Jul. 24, 2024
Gillray (James). The Chancellor of the Inquisition, 1793
Est: £300 - £500
Gillray (James). The Chancellor of the Inquisition, 1793 * Gillray (James). The Chancellor of the Inquisition marking the Incorrigibles, London: H. Humphreys, March 19th, 1793, etching on wove with contemporary hand colouring, sheet size 500 x 330 mm QTY: (1) NOTE: BM Satires 8316. Burke holds up a large sheaf of paper headed 'Black List' as he walks towards the door of the 'Crown & Anchor' tavern, the headquarters of The Association for Preserving Liberty and Property against Republicans and Levellers.
Dominic Winter Auctions
Jul. 24, 2024
Gillray (James). Temperance enjoying a frugal meal, 1792
Est: £300 - £500
Gillray (James). Temperance enjoying a frugal meal, 1792 * Gillray (James). Temperance enjoying a frugal meal, London: H. Humphreys, July 28th 1792, etching on wove with contemporary hand-colouring, a few pin holes to upper and left margin, minor mount burn and minimal spotting, paper residue to top margin on verso, sheet size 250 x 340 mm, together with another example with contemporary hand colouring, trimmed to image, some closed tears, 330 x 270 mm QTY: (1) NOTE: BM Satires 8117, a companion print to BM Satires 8112. 'The meanness of the King and Queen and their self-restraint at table were well known..., Everything in the room is indicative of miserliness, from the Kings patched trousers to the empty fire-grate.... this pair of prints is amongst the finest of all royal portraits, the drawing is superb and not a detail is superfluous.' Richard Godfrey, James Gilray: The Art of Caricature, p 179.
Dominic Winter Auctions