Spotprent op de Franse plannen voor een invasie van Engeland, 1798 Possibly 1798

Editor: So, here we have "Spotprent op de Franse plannen voor een invasie van Engeland, 1798", possibly from 1798, by James Gillray. It's a print, an etching really, currently residing in the Rijksmuseum. The waves kind of draw you in, don't they? I feel this anxious energy looking at it, but it's also a little funny... like a chaotic dream. What do you make of it? Curator: Ah, Gillray. Always a riot. This is visual propaganda at its finest. It's more than just history painting; it's history with a wink, dripping with satirical intent. Those choppy seas aren't just there to look pretty – well, as pretty as political satire *can* be – they represent the very real threat, and frankly, the ridiculousness of the French invasion plans at the time. Notice how tiny and comically rendered the invading army is. Almost toy-like, wouldn't you agree? Editor: I do, now that you mention it! The small figures lined up… against the towering waves. I guess it *is* pretty comical. I was so focused on the romantic-style landscape, that I missed the caricature of it all. What's with the people in the corner then? Are they representative of England's stability or something? Curator: Exactly. Solid, grounded, even a bit bemused by the whole affair, as the storm rages around them. John Bull might be blowing a gale and they are safe, confident, with even a newspaper sitting at their feet - implying that there isn't even anything new here, only news! That to me implies strength. Gillray wants us to believe the French don't stand a chance, a sort of pre-emptive victory lap, if you will. But even though that might be how the propaganda runs in this image, there's something about that storm that speaks to impending disaster, I can feel it even if those men standing at the rocks don't. What a master stroke. Editor: I see what you mean about the preemptive victory lap. Seeing those calm faces does give it away! So much is revealed when we can sit down together to discuss art! Thanks! Curator: Indeed. And thanks for making me look at it from another point of view. Until next time...