James Gillray - Richard T Godfrey

James Gillray (1756-1815) was the leading caricaturist of his time and is now admired as an artist of outstanding inventiveness and originality whose work continues to influence contemporary cartoonists. His prints of the political characters and events of the age, particularly the French Revolution, are among the most memorable and outrageously comical images in the history of British art. This book accompanies an important exhibition at Tate Britain which will bring together around 120 works by Gillray, demonstrating the full range of his inventive powers. It will be the most ambitious exhibition since the show organised in the UK by the Arts Council in 1967. Whilst grounded in the political and social realities of his time, the wit and robust vulgarity of Gillray's images continues to be engaging, even shocking, for a contemporary audience. Moreover, his ferocious satires on the themes of sleaze, vanity and tyranny amongst politicians and royalty have an abiding currency and interest, while his savage visual commentary on national character and prejudice are still relevant.;Through inventive interpretation, this book and exhibition will bring the key actors in Gillray's world alive - including such celebrated historical figures as Napoleon, Pitt the Younger and Emma Hamilton.