The Orangerie
published September 16, 1796
Medium
Etching in dark brown, with handcoloring, on cream wove paper
Dimensions
Image: 24.7 × 35.1 cm (9 3/4 × 13 7/8 in.); Plate: 25.6 × 35.6 cm (10 1/8 × 14 1/16 in.); Sheet: 29 × 40.5 cm (11 7/16 × 16 in.)
Classification
etching
Department
Prints and Drawings
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
89863
Art Historical Context
James Gillray's *The Orangerie*, on September 16,1796, exemplifies the biting wit of late 18th-century British. As one of Britain's greatest satirical artists, Gillray (1757–1815) used his prints to skewer politicians, royalty, and social follies during the turbulent French Revolutionary Wars. This work, likely poking fun at aristocratic excess or political intrigue—hinted at by its evocative title referencing a luxurious greenhouse for exotic oranges—captured public imagination through affordable, shop-window displays. Crafted as an etching in dark brown ink with vibrant handcoloring on crea...