A Kick at the Broad-Bottoms!– i.e. Emancipation of "All the Talents &c" - Vide the Fate of Ye Catholic Bill 1807

This hand-colored etching by James Gillray captures a moment of political turmoil. As a print, it belongs to a world of mechanical reproduction. Gillray would have created a design on a metal plate, likely copper, using etching and engraving techniques. These involve biting lines into the metal with acid, and then using tools to further define the image. Prints like this are products of labor, requiring skilled craftsmanship and the coordination of workshops. The materiality of the print – the paper, the ink, the etched lines – all contribute to its impact. Consider how this print circulated in society. It was a relatively affordable medium, allowing political commentary to reach a wide audience. The image shows King George III literally kicking out members of the government who supported Catholic emancipation. Prints like this weren't just aesthetic objects; they were tools of persuasion, shaping public opinion and reflecting the social tensions of the time. The materiality of the print, combined with its political message, makes it a potent artifact of its era.