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Cartoon, Pacific Overtures
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Cartoon, Pacific Overtures
Cartoon, Pacific Overtures, or, a Flight from St Clouds over the Water to Charley, a new Dramatic Piece now Rehearsing, by James Gillray. Showing Napoleon displaying his Terms of Peace to King George III, with leading politicians in the orchestra pit. Date: 1806
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Media ID 14230281
© The Sharp Illustration Collection / Mary Evans Picture Library
1800s 1806 Bags Cloud Comment Criticism Drama Dramatic Fitzherbert Gillray Grenville Harsh Invasion Money Moneybags Musician Musicians Napoleon Orchestra Pacific Peace Performance Piece Politicians Rehearsing Ridicule Satire Satirical Sheridan Talleyrand Terms Whig Whigs Musical Overtures
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This intriguing and satirical print by James Gillray, titled "Cartoon, Pacific Overtures, or, a Flight from St. Clouds over the Water to Charley, a new Dramatic Piece now Rehearsing," dates back to 1806. The cartoon offers a harsh commentary on the political climate of the time, specifically the negotiations for peace between Britain and France during the Napoleonic Wars. At the center of the image, Napoleon Bonaparte is depicted displaying his terms of peace to King George III. Surrounding them, leading politicians are shown in the orchestra pit, with Talleyrand and Fox, prominent Whig politicians, holding money bags. The Whigs, known for their opposition to the war, are satirically portrayed as musicians, playing their part in the "dramatic piece" of peace negotiations. Grenville and Sheridan, other prominent political figures, are also present, with Grenville appearing to hand over a bag of money to the French Emperor. The Prince of Wales and Fitzherbert are also shown in the audience, watching the performance unfold on the "stage" of the peace negotiations. The print's title, "Pacific Overtures," is a playful reference to the peaceful intentions of the negotiations, while the image itself is filled with ridicule and humor. The use of music and theatrical elements adds to the satire, highlighting the political maneuverings and financial transactions taking place behind closed doors. This cartoon provides a unique and insightful look into the political climate of the early 19th century, offering a harsh critique of the politicians involved in the peace negotiations and the financial motivations driving their decisions. The print's enduring satirical power continues to resonate, making it a valuable historical document and an intriguing work of art.
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