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Cartoon, A March to the Bank
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Cartoon, A March to the Bank
Cartoon, A March to the Bank, by James Gillray. Showing William Pitt leading a line of soldiers along The Strand, Fleet Street and Cheapside to the Bank of England in Threadneedle Street, to the inconvenience of people going about their daily lives. Date: 1787
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Media ID 14229720
© The Sharp Illustration Collection / Mary Evans Picture Library
1780s 1787 Arrogance Arrogant Bank Cheapside Corrupt Corruption Finance Financial Fishwife Georgian Gillray Guard Guards Inconvenience Inconvenient Inequality Injustice Leading Minister Pitt Prime Satire Satirical Strand Unjust Egotism Egotistical Fleet
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EDITORS COMMENTS
A March to the Bank," a satirical masterpiece by James Gillray, captures the political climate of the late 18th century in this intricately detailed cartoon. Dated 1787, this powerful image depicts Prime Minister William Pitt leading a line of soldiers along The Strand, Fleet Street, and Cheapside towards the Bank of England in Threadneedle Street. The soldiers' march disrupts the daily lives of ordinary people, causing chaos and inconvenience. Pitt, portrayed as an arrogant and egotistical figure, strides confidently at the head of his military guard, oblivious to the frustration and disruption he causes. The people of the city, including a fishwife carrying a basket, are shown being jostled and pushed aside as the soldiers take over the pavement. This cartoon was created during a time of political corruption and inequality, and the satire is not lost on Gillray's depiction of Pitt's actions. The Prime Minister's decision to lead a military guard to the Bank of England, rather than addressing the root causes of the financial crisis, is a clear commentary on the unjust and inefficient political system of the day. The cartoon's intricate details offer a glimpse into the daily life of Georgian London, with familiar landmarks such as the Strand, Fleet Street, and Cheapside, providing a sense of historical context. The image is a testament to Gillray's skill as a satirical artist, and a reminder of the complex political climate of the late 18th century. Overall, "A March to the Bank" is a powerful and thought-provoking work of art that continues to resonate with audiences today, offering insights into the political and social issues of the past, and reminding us of the importance of questioning those in power.
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