James Gillray, English caricaturist and printmaker (d.1815)
James Gillray (13 August 1756 – 1 June 1815) was a British caricaturist and printmaker famous for his etched political and social satires, mainly published between 1792 and 1810. Many of his works are held at the National Portrait Gallery in London.
Gillray has been called "the father of the political cartoon", with his works satirizing George III, Napoleon, prime ministers and generals. Regarded as being one of the two most influential cartoonists, the other being William Hogarth, Gillray's wit and humour, knowledge of life, fertility of resource, keen sense of the ludicrous, and beauty of execution, at once gave him the first place among caricaturists.
1756Aug, 13
James Gillray
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Events on 1756
- 20Jun
Black Hole of Calcutta
A British garrison is imprisoned in the Black Hole of Calcutta. - 30Jul
Catherine Palace
In Saint Petersburg, Bartolomeo Rastrelli presents the newly built Catherine Palace to Empress Elizabeth and her courtiers. - 29Aug
Seven Years' War
Frederick the Great attacks Saxony, beginning the Seven Years' War in Europe.