Home > Europe > United Kingdom > England > London > Politics > William Pitt
Cartoon, A new way to pay the National Debt
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Cartoon, A new way to pay the National Debt
Cartoon, A new way to pay the National Debt, by James Gillray. Showing King George III and Queen Charlotte receiving bags of money from the Treasury, handed over from a wheelbarrow by the Prime Minister, William Pitt. The Prince of Wales (later George IV, right) seems disappointed by a note for 200, 000 from his friend Louis Philippe Joseph, Duke of Orleans. A disabled man sits on the ground (left) with an upturned and empty hat. Date: 1786
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 14229724
© The Sharp Illustration Collection / Mary Evans Picture Library
1780s 1786 Bags Charlotte Corrupt Corruption Criticism Debt Disabled Finance Financial Georgian Gillray Greed Greedy Harsh Inequality Injustice Minister Money Moneybags Orleans Philippe Pitt Prime Satire Satirical Treasury Unjust Wheelbarrow
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Arts
> Artists
> G
> James Gillray
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Politics
> William Pitt
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> Wales
> Politics
> Popular Themes
> Money
EDITORS COMMENTS
This intriguing and thought-provoking cartoon by James Gillray, titled "A new way to pay the National Debt," offers a satirical commentary on the political and financial landscape of late 18th-century Britain. The image depicts King George III and Queen Charlotte seated on their thrones, each receiving overflowing bags of money from the Treasury, which is being unloaded from a wheelbarrow by the Prime Minister, William Pitt. The King and Queen appear unfazed by the influx of wealth, while the Prince of Wales, later George IV, looks displeased as he receives a mere note for 200,000. In the foreground, a disabled man sits on the ground with an upturned and empty hat, symbolizing the plight of the common people who bear the brunt of the national debt. This poignant detail adds a layer of social commentary to the cartoon, highlighting the stark inequality between the rich and the poor. The presence of the Duke of Orleans, Louis Philippe Joseph, adds an international dimension to the cartoon. He is shown handing a note to the Prime Minister, suggesting a connection between foreign influence and the financial corruption of the British government. This powerful and provocative cartoon reflects the harsh criticism and unjust realities of the time, shedding light on the corrupt and greedy practices of the political elite. The image is a testament to the enduring power of satire as a tool for social and political commentary, and a reminder of the injustices and inequalities that have shaped history.
MADE IN AUSTRALIA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
FREE COLORIZATION SERVICE
You can choose advanced AI Colorization for this picture at no extra charge!
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
