French Liberty – British Slavery

Art Historical Context

**French Liberty – British Slavery (1792) is a biting political caricature by James Gillray, preeminent British satirist of his era, published by Hannah Humphrey. Created amid the French Revolution's chaos, this hand-colored etching the Revolution's promised "liberty" with perceived "slavery" under stable monarchy. Dated December 21, 1792—just as radical Jacobins seized power—this print skewers revolutionary ideals by juxtaposing French deprivation with British abundance, using food and feasting as potent symbols. Gillray's mastery of caricature shines in the etching technique, where intricate lines capture exaggerated expressions and dynamic compositions, enhanced by vibrant hand-coloring for dramatic effect. Common in 18th-century London print shops, these affordable, colorful broadsheets spread political commentary to the masses. Tags like "Food," "Eating," "Politics," and "Satire" highlight its focus on men in contrasting scenes of starvation and indulgence, critiquing French extremism while celebrating British comforts like roast beef. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints department (gift of Adele S. Gollin, 1976), this 9 13/16 x 13 7/8 in. work exemplifies how visual satire shaped public opinion during a turbulent era, reminding us of art's power in political discourse.