The Political Cartoon, for the Year 1775 1775

Editor: This is "The Political Cartoon, for the Year 1775," created in 1775, now at the Met. It's quite a dense image! The detail is remarkable for such a small print. What strikes me is the almost allegorical feel – like each character and element has a deeper meaning. How do you interpret this work? Curator: You're right to key into the allegorical nature of this print; it’s brimming with potent symbolism! Consider the winged horse overhead. Notice how it's labeled "National Credit"? What does that suggest about the artist's view of Britain's economic situation at the time? Editor: It looks pretty unstable, like it's about to fall from the sky! It contrasts sharply with the people below who look solid and determined. What about the horses pulling the chariot? One is labelled "Obstinacy", and the other "Pride". Curator: Exactly! They are the driving forces, or rather, the driving vices, leading the British government towards what the artist clearly sees as disaster. The horses draw figures who believe in 'I glory in the Name of English men.' The choice of animals and what those terms evoke is carefully considered and contribute to the artist's point of view, or message, more widely. And note what lies beneath the chariot, partially crushed: the Magna Carta. What connotations does that have? Editor: Rights being trampled on... that reinforces the idea that British policies are violating fundamental liberties. It's clever how they use familiar symbols to create a pointed political commentary. Thank you. Curator: The layering of meaning is what makes it so compelling, and also makes me wonder what visual vocabulary from our current era will be looked back upon as icons of shared belief. Food for thought!