James Gillray, the most eminent of English caricaturists, was born in 1757.
Like the great Hogarth before him, young Gillray began his career as a letter engraver. However, finding this monotonous occupation tedious, Gillray ran away from his employer and joined a company of strolling players.
After suffering the hardships of life on the road Gillray returned to London where he began studying at the Royal Academy, possibly under Ryland. Two portraits exist, from this time, of William Pitt which, though admirable representations, are somewhat approaching to caricature.
Gillray continued working as an engraver but it is as a caricaturist that he is best known. ‘In this art he has no rival; and the exquisite tact with which he seized upon points, both in politics and manners, most open to ridicule, is only equalled by the consummate skill and wit with which he satirized them.’ (George Stanley – Historical and Descriptive Account of the Caricatures of James Gillray)
From 1779 onwards Gillray’s improvement was rapid and extraordinary, and he soon attained a wonderful freedom both of design and in the management of the etching needle. It is believed he etched his ideas at once upon the copper without making a previous drawing, his only guides being sketches of the distinguished characters he intended to introduce made on small pieces of card.
As so frequently accompanies genius and great talent, Gillray’s habits were ill judged, and his behaviour rash. For many years he lived with and was supported by his publisher, Mrs. Humphrey, who liberally supplied him with every indulgence. During this time he produced nearly all of his most celebrated works, which were bought up with unparalleled eagerness, and circulated not only throughout England, but also all over Europe.
The last of Gillray’s works is dated 1811. Shortly after this he sank into a state of madness and delirium, once even throwing himself from an upper window of his house in St. James’s Street. He finally died in 1815, and was buried in the churchyard of St. James, Piccadilly. His gravestone is inscribed, ‘In Memory of Mr. James Gillray the Caricaturist, who departed this life 1st Jun, 1815, aged 58 years.’ |
