Very slippy weather
1808
James Gillray captures a chaotic winter scene in 1808 London where a wealthy gentleman has taken a spectacular spill on the icy cobblestones outside the famous print shop 'Humphrey' on St. James's Street. Clutching a large thermometer that presumably explains the freezing conditions, the tumbled man loses his cane and coins while a small dog barks at the commotion. The shop window behind him is plastered with other satirical prints, creating a meta-commentary on the bustling world of political caricature. It’s a brilliant example of Gillray’s sharp wit, turning a mundane slip-and-fall into a commentary on the 'slippy' political climate of the time.
- Technique
- Hand-colored etching
- Material
- Paper
Location: British Museum
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