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Uncorking Old Sherry, 1805 (hand-coloured etching)
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Uncorking Old Sherry, 1805 (hand-coloured etching)
XOS1766184 Uncorking Old Sherry, 1805 (hand-coloured etching) by Gillray, James (1757-1815); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Additional Forces Bill of Prime Minister William Pitt (1759-1806) was opposed by Richard Brinsley Sheridan (1751-1816) in a rambling speech described as a composition of satire and invective against Mr Pitt, which gave Mr Pitt an opportunity of breaking forth into a flow of eloquence, pointed repartee and severe animadversions on Mr Sheridan, which had great effect on the House. Pitt allegedly drank a bowl of Maderia beforehand hence uncooking old Sherry ;
); English, out of copyright
Media ID 12701291
© www.bridgemanimages.com
Act Of Union Bottles Catholic Emancipation Charles Grey Charles James Fox House Of Commons Napoleonic Wars Oratory Parliament Richard Brinsley Sheridan Rivals Whig William Pitt Corked Pitt The Younger Viscount Sidmouth William Windham
EDITORS COMMENTS
The captivating print titled "Uncorking Old Sherry, 1805" by James Gillray takes us back to a momentous political event in British history. The scene depicts the intense parliamentary debate surrounding Prime Minister William Pitt's Additional Forces Bill, which faced fierce opposition from Richard Brinsley Sheridan. In this hand-coloured etching, Gillray masterfully captures the tension and drama of the House of Commons. As Pitt delivers a powerful speech against Sheridan's rambling satire-filled address, he is likened to uncorking old sherry - an apt metaphor for unleashing his eloquence and wit upon his rival. The cartoonish portrayal of various politicians on both sides adds a touch of humor to this satirical artwork. Figures such as Viscount Sidmouth, Charles James Fox, Charles Grey, and William Windham can be seen observing the heated exchange from their respective benches. This print not only reflects the political landscape during the Napoleonic Wars but also alludes to other significant issues like Catholic emancipation and Ireland's Act of Union. It showcases Gillray's exceptional talent for caricature and his ability to capture complex historical events with biting satire. As we admire this remarkable piece from a private collection, it serves as a reminder that politics has always been rife with intrigue and rivalry. "Uncorking Old Sherry" invites us into this fascinating world where oratory skills clash amidst bottles corked with controversy – an enduring testament to Gillray's artistic legacy.
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