Photographic Print : Cartoon, The Bengal Levee
Photo Prints from Mary Evans Picture Library
Cartoon, The Bengal Levee
Cartoon, The Bengal Levee, by James Gillray. Showing Lord Cornwallis (1738-1803), Governor-General of India, in the middle of a crowd of sycophants in Calcutta (right background). He held a weekly levee at Government House. Date: 1792
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 14230231
© The Sharp Illustration Collection / Mary Evans Picture Library
1790s 1792 Bengal Calcutta Colonialism Cornwallis Criticism Gillray Governor Greeting Hands Harsh Influence Levee Meeting Satire Satirical Shaking Weekly
12"x8" (30x20cm) Photo Print
Step back in time with our exquisite selection from the Media Storehouse range of Photographic Prints, featuring the iconic cartoon "The Bengal Levee" by James Gillray. This captivating print, sourced from Mary Evans Prints Online, offers a glimpse into the historical political landscape of the late 18th century. Witness the intrigue and sycophantic crowd gathered around Lord Cornwallis, the Governor-General of India, in this intricately detailed and witty satirical masterpiece. Add this striking piece to your collection and bring a touch of history into your home or office.
Ideal for framing, Australian made Photo Prints are produced on high-quality 270 gsm lustre photo paper which has a subtle shimmer adding a touch of elegance, designed to enhance their visual appeal.
Our Photo Prints are in a large range of sizes and are printed on Archival Quality Paper for excellent colour reproduction and longevity. They are ideal for framing (our Framed Prints use these) at a reasonable cost. Alternatives include cheaper Poster Prints and higher quality Fine Art Paper, the choice of which is largely dependant on your budget.
Estimated Product Size is 31.4cm x 21.2cm (12.4" x 8.3")
These are individually made so all sizes are approximate
Artwork printed orientated as per the preview above, with landscape (horizontal) or portrait (vertical) orientation to match the source image.
EDITORS COMMENTS
This satirical print by James Gillray, titled "The Bengal Levee," offers a biting critique of the colonial administration in India during the late 18th century. The focus of the image is Lord Cornwallis, the Governor-General of India, who is depicted in the middle of a crowded room at Government House in Calcutta. The room is filled with a multitude of sycophantic men, all vying for the attention and favor of their colonial master. Lord Cornwallis is shown seated on a throne-like chair, surrounded by the eager crowd. He is shown shaking hands and greeting each man in turn, while they fawn over him, offering gifts and flattery. The scene is a stark representation of the power dynamics of colonialism, with the colonial ruler wielding immense influence over the local population. The title "The Bengal Levee" refers to the weekly audience that Lord Cornwallis held at Government House, where he would receive petitions and grant favors to the Indian elite. This practice was a common feature of colonial administration, and was seen as a way for the colonial rulers to maintain control over the population. However, Gillray's cartoon offers a harsh critique of this practice, highlighting the corrupt and sycophantic nature of the colonial administration. The image is a reminder of the complex and often problematic relationship between the colonial powers and the colonized populations, and the ways in which power and influence were wielded during the colonial era. This print, created in 1792, offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of colonial India and the dynamics of power and influence during the 1790s. It is a testament to the enduring power of satire as a tool for social critique and commentary on the complexities of history.
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