The British Butcher, Supplying John Bull with a Substitute for Bread Possibly 1795

James Gillray made this hand-colored etching, "The British Butcher, Supplying John Bull with a Substitute for Bread," at the end of the 18th century. The etching process involves coating a metal plate with wax, drawing through it to expose the metal, then submerging the plate in acid. The acid bites away the exposed lines, creating grooves that hold ink. Here, the fine lines capture the textures of the hanging meat carcasses, the butcher’s crisp apron, and the ragged clothing of John Bull. This aesthetic precision is central to the print's political message. High food prices in the 1790s, partly due to war with France, put bread—a staple for the poor—out of reach. Gillray highlights this crisis by showing meat as the only alternative. The careful crafting of the print amplifies its social critique, challenging the government's economic policies. This image, with its blend of skilled technique and sharp commentary, underscores how printmaking could serve as a powerful tool for political expression.