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Cartoon, Britannia between Scylla & Charybdis
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Cartoon, Britannia between Scylla & Charybdis
Cartoon, Britannia between Scylla & Charybdis, or, the Vessel of the Constitution steered clear of the Rock of Democracy, and the Whirlpool of Arbitrary Power, by James Gillray. Showing Britannia and the Prime Minister, William Pitt, in a sailing boat. Date: 1793
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Media ID 14230211
© The Sharp Illustration Collection / Mary Evans Picture Library
1790s 1793 Britannia Charybdis Clear Constitution Criticism Democracy Equality Gillray Justice Liberty Minister Pitt Power Prime Satire Satirical Scylla Steered Whirlpool
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print, titled "Cartoon, Britannia between Scylla & Charybdis, or, the Vessel of the Constitution steered clear of the Rock of Democracy, and the Whirlpool of Arbitrary Power," is a masterpiece of satire created by the renowned English artist James Gillray in 1793. The print, a powerful commentary on the political climate of the 1790s, depicts Britannia, the personification of Britain, navigating a small sailing boat through the treacherous waters between Scylla and Charybdis, with the Prime Minister, William Pitt, at the helm. Scylla and Charybdis, monstrous sea creatures in Greek mythology, represent the dangers of extremes: democracy on one side and arbitrary power on the other. Britannia's precarious position between these two perils symbolizes the delicate balance that the British government must maintain between upholding the principles of justice, liberty, and equality, and exercising power in a responsible and fair manner. The print's title, "the Vessel of the Constitution," underscores the importance of the constitution as a guiding force in British politics. Pitt, as the steersman, is responsible for ensuring that the vessel stays on course and avoids the rocks of democracy and the whirlpool of arbitrary power. The image of Pitt at the helm also suggests his role as the decision-maker and leader during this tumultuous period in British history. The satirical nature of the print is evident in the exaggerated features of the characters and the caricatured depiction of the sea creatures. The print's sharp wit and biting commentary on the political landscape of the time make it an invaluable historical document and a testament to the power of satire as a means of social critique.
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