The Commissioners

Art Historical Context

Created in April 1778 by British printmaker Matthew Darly, *The Commissioners* is a lively etching that captures the heated political climate of the American Revolution. Darly, known for his sharp caricatures, used the medium to comment on contemporary events, here focusing on British political figures. The work belongs to a rich tradition of 18th-century satirical prints that circulated widely, allowing the public to engage with current affairs through humor and exaggeration. Etching proved ideal for such commentary, as its fine lines enabled detailed portraits and witty visual metaphors that could be reproduced affordably. This print reflects the era’s growing appetite for political imagery, blending portraiture with pointed social critique. Acquired by the Metropolitan Museum through the bequest of Charles Allen Munn in 1924, it remains a vivid reminder of how art shaped public understanding of revolutionary politics.

About the Artist

Matthew Darly · 1720–1780

**Matthew Darly (also known as Matthias Darly, c. 1720–1780)** was a versatile British printseller, engraver, caricaturist, and furniture designer active in London throughout the mid-to-late eighteenth century. His early training began with an apprenticeship in 1735 to clockmaker Umfraville Sampson. He later established himself as a prominent figure in the print trade, operating shops known as “T...