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Shakespeare sacrificed, or the offering to avarice, 1789. Artist: James Gillray
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Shakespeare sacrificed, or the offering to avarice, 1789. Artist: James Gillray
Shakespeare sacrificed, or the offering to avarice, 1789. Publisher John Boydell commissioned paintings illustrating subjects from Shakespeares plays. His scheme to sell engravings made after the pictures is criticised here. Illustration from Social Caricature in the Eighteenth Century... With over two hundred illustrations by George Paston [pseudonym of Emily Morse Symonds], (London, 1905)
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Media ID 14917288
© The Print Collector / Heritage-Images
A Midsummer Nights Dream Avarice Bellows Bottom Boydell Burning Devil Emily Morse Emily Morse Symonds Flame Flames George Paston Gillray Greed Greedy James Gillray John Boydell Offering Paston Publisher Sacrifice Shakespeare Symonds William Shakespeare Allegorical Figure
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Shakespeare Sacrificed - A Critique on the Commodification of Art in 18th Century Britain
EDITORS COMMENTS
. This print, titled "Shakespeare sacrificed, or the offering to avarice" created by James Gillray in 1789, offers a thought-provoking commentary on the commercialization of art during the 18th century. Commissioned by publisher John Boydell, this artwork was part of his ambitious project to illustrate scenes from Shakespeare's plays and sell engravings based on these paintings. In this allegorical image, we witness an unsettling scene where Shakespeare himself is being sacrificed at the altar of greed. The figure representing avarice stands tall with flames engulfing him while holding a bellows that fuels the fire consuming Shakespeare's works. This powerful visual metaphor highlights how artistic integrity and literary genius are being compromised for profit. Gillray's masterful use of monochrome adds depth and intensity to this depiction. The billowing smoke symbolizes not only the destruction caused by unchecked capitalism but also serves as a warning against sacrificing artistic merit for financial gain. The print raises important questions about the role of art in society and challenges us to reflect on whether it should be reduced to mere commodities. It reminds us that true appreciation for literature and creativity lies beyond monetary value. As we gaze upon this historical artifact today, let it serve as a reminder that artists like Gillray were not afraid to confront societal issues through their work. Their legacy continues to inspire us to question prevailing norms and protect artistic integrity from falling prey to unbridled greed.
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