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Egyptian Sketches, pub / 1799 (hand coloured engraving)
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Egyptian Sketches, pub / 1799 (hand coloured engraving)
2966825 Egyptian Sketches, pub/ 1799 (hand coloured engraving) 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 23261046
© The Stapleton Collection / Bridgeman Images
Bicorn 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 engraving, titled "Egyptian Sketches" captures the satirical genius of James Gillray. Published in 1799, during Napoleon Bonaparte's campaign in Egypt, it offers a biting commentary on the French invasion. In this whimsical scene, a Frenchman is depicted as a monkey scaling an Egyptian pyramid while being pursued by a jester wielding a staff topped with the head of a donkey. The image cleverly symbolizes the absurdity and futility of Napoleon's conquests. Gillray's attention to detail is evident in every element of the print. The Frenchman wears a military uniform adorned with an entwined tricolour sash and carries both a dagger and an exotic Phrygian cap associated with revolutionary France. His comical expression adds to the overall caricature-like quality. The inclusion of iconic Egyptian symbols such as the Sphinx further emphasizes the clash between ancient civilization and contemporary political satire. As viewers delve into this intricate composition, they are invited to reflect on themes of power, conquest, and cultural appropriation. Particularly noteworthy is Gillray's use of nudity; he portrays both figures without clothing, exposing their vulnerability amidst grandiose ambitions. This artistic choice amplifies his message about naked ambition leading to inevitable downfall. "Egyptian Sketches" remains not only an exceptional example of Gillray's talent but also serves as historical documentation capturing public sentiment during one of Europe's most significant conflicts – the Napoleonic Wars.
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