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Cartoon, Bank Notes, Paper Money, French Alarmists
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Cartoon, Bank Notes, Paper Money, French Alarmists
Cartoon, Bank Notes, Paper Money, French Alarmists, o the Devil, the Devil! ah! poor John Bull!!! by James Gillray. Showing the Prime Minister, William Pitt, offering paper money (rather than gold coins, which are stashed under the counter) to John Bull. On either side of Bull are opposition politicians Richard Sheridan and Charles James Fox, advising him to insist on gold rather than paper. Date: 1797
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Media ID 14230227
© The Sharp Illustration Collection / Mary Evans Picture Library
1790s 1797 Advice Advising Bank Bull Bumpkin Cash Coins Comment Counter Criticism Deception Devil Finance Financial Gillray Harsh Innocent Minister Money Naive Notes Offering Opposition Pitt Politicians Poor Prime Satire Satirical Sheridan
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This satirical print by James Gillray, titled 'Cartoon, Bank Notes, Paper Money, French Alarmists, or, the Devil, the Devil! ah! poor John Bull!!!!' dates back to 1797, during the tumultuous 1790s in British politics. The image depicts a worried-looking John Bull, the symbol of the common man in England, being offered paper money by the Prime Minister, William Pitt, instead of gold coins. Pitt's actions are contrasted with the gold coins hidden under the counter, highlighting the deception and potential financial instability of relying on paper currency. On either side of John Bull, opposition politicians Richard Sheridan and Charles James Fox are shown advising him to demand gold instead. The image is a harsh criticism of Pitt's financial policies, particularly during a time when France was experiencing hyperinflation and Britain was facing its own economic challenges. The cartoon's title, 'French Alarmists,' suggests a connection to the ongoing tensions between Britain and France, as well as the fear of French-style financial instability spreading to Britain. The image of the devil lurking in the background adds a sinister element, emphasizing the potential consequences of accepting paper money over gold. Overall, this print is a powerful commentary on the political and financial climate of the time, using satire and visual imagery to convey complex ideas and criticisms. It is a valuable historical artifact that sheds light on the public discourse and concerns of the late 18th century.
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