Spotprent op Warren Hastings, 1788 Possibly 1788

James Gillray etched this print in 1788, now held at the Rijksmuseum, presenting a sharp commentary on Warren Hastings. Here, Hastings is enthroned, adorned with Eastern symbols, as he receives offerings. Note the bags labeled 'Pegoots' and 'Kooprie,' alluding to financial improprieties. The act of bowing, or begging, carries deep historical weight, reminiscent of ancient rituals of supplication. This gesture has evolved through time, shifting from religious reverence to political subservience, reflecting the complex interplay between power and submission. The outstretched hands, reaching for wealth, evoke a primal, almost subconscious yearning. The viewer is confronted with the raw emotion of greed and the psychological impact of power. This scene underscores the cyclical nature of history, where symbols of power and wealth resurface, evolve, and adapt to new contexts, leaving indelible marks on our collective consciousness.