Comité van Algemene Waakzaamheid, 1795 1795

James Gillray created "Comité van Algemene Waakzaamheid" in 1795 using etching. Gillray, a prominent British caricaturist, produced this satirical print amidst the tumultuous backdrop of the French Revolution and its reverberations across Europe. The image presents a scathing critique of revolutionary fervor, depicting a committee seemingly in disarray, fueled by alcohol and neglect, rather than revolutionary ideals. At the heart of the piece is an intersectional commentary on power, privilege, and the subversion of revolutionary principles. The figures, ostensibly members of a "watchful" committee, are shown in various states of inebriation, highlighting the hypocrisy and corruption that can undermine even the most idealistic movements. Gillray masterfully employs visual satire to expose the contradictions inherent in revolutionary rhetoric, inviting viewers to question the true motives and effectiveness of those in power. The artist challenges us to reflect on the complexities of revolution and the human frailties that often accompany it.