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Egyptian Sketches, published Hannah Humphrey in 1799 (hand-coloured etching)
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Egyptian Sketches, published Hannah Humphrey in 1799 (hand-coloured etching)
1275082 Egyptian Sketches, published Hannah Humphrey in 1799 (hand-coloured etching) by Gillray, James (1757-1815); Private Collection; (add.info.: Refers to Napoleon Bonapartes (1769-1821) campaign in Egypt; French man depicted as a monkey clambering up a pyramid; being chased by a jester; staff with the head of a donkey.); The Stapleton Collection; English, out of copyright
Media ID 22988478
© The Stapleton Collection / Bridgeman Images
Bicorn Bicorne Bonnet Rouge Climbing Clown Cockade Conquering Dagger Desert Entwined Exotic French Revolutionary Wars Invasion Monkey Napoleon Napoleonic Phrygian Cap Political Satire Pyramid Red Sash Scaling Simian Sphinx Tails Tricolour
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This hand-coloured etching, titled "Egyptian Sketches" is a captivating piece of political satire published by Hannah Humphrey in 1799. Created by James Gillray, a renowned English caricaturist, this print humorously depicts Napoleon Bonaparte's campaign in Egypt during the French Revolutionary Wars. In the image, we see a French man portrayed as a mischievous monkey attempting to climb up a pyramid. However, his antics are interrupted by a jester chasing him with a staff topped with the head of a donkey. The composition cleverly incorporates various symbols and elements associated with the military campaign and French politics at that time. The monkey's red sash and bonnet rouge symbolize revolutionary fervor while also highlighting Napoleon's ambition for conquest. The inscription on the jester's staff entwined with tricolour ribbons further emphasizes this connection to France. Additionally, other details such as the bicorne hat and tails uniform indicate military authority. Gillray's satirical approach extends beyond mere mockery; it comments on Napoleon's invasion of Egypt through exaggerated imagery and comical characters. By depicting an exotic setting like Egypt alongside familiar symbols of power and foolishness, Gillray effectively criticizes both Napoleon himself and his grandiose ambitions. This fascinating artwork from Bridgeman Images' Stapleton Collection provides us with insight into historical events while showcasing Gillray's mastery in using visual satire to convey complex political messages.
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