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Search Night, or The State Watchmen Mistaking Honest-men for Conspirators
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Search Night, or The State Watchmen Mistaking Honest-men for Conspirators
NCO190410 Search Night, or The State Watchmen Mistaking Honest-men for Conspirators, published by Hannah Humphrey in 1798 (hand-coloured etching) by Gillray, James (1757-1815); Courtesy of the Warden and Scholars of New College, Oxford; (add.info.: Lord Moira (1754-1826) escaping up the chimney; Opposition Whigs climb ladder into the loft; Henry Dundas (1742-1811) batters down the door; William Pitt (1759-1806) as the state watchman, hold a lantern; meeting of the London Corresponding Society; ); English, out of copyright
Media ID 22341504
© Bridgeman Images
Bonnet Rouge Censorship Conspiracy Conspirator Cowering Destroyed Discovered Disorder Escape Hanoverian Liberty Cap Pamphlet Political Satire Prime Minister Rebellion Republican Unpatriotic Vermin Whig Subversive
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Search Night, or The State Watchmen Mistaking Honest-men for Conspirators
EDITORS COMMENTS
. This hand-coloured etching by James Gillray, titled "Search Night, or The State Watchmen Mistaking Honest-men for Conspirators" offers a humorous and satirical commentary on the political climate of 18th-century England. Published in 1798 by Hannah Humphrey, this print showcases Gillray's mastery in capturing the absurdity and paranoia that often accompanied political intrigue. The scene depicts a chaotic meeting of the London Corresponding Society, where Lord Moira attempts to escape up the chimney while Opposition Whigs climb a ladder into the loft. Henry Dundas forcefully batters down the door as William Pitt assumes his role as the state watchman with a lantern in hand. Amidst this frenzy, we witness politicians cowering under tables and hiding amongst chests filled with daggers. Gillray's caricatures skillfully portray key figures such as Prime Minister William Pitt and Lord Moira amidst an atmosphere of rebellion and government paranoia. Symbolism abounds throughout; liberty caps representing republican ideals are juxtaposed against rats fleeing from their destroyed hiding places. Through this intricate composition, Gillray highlights themes of censorship, subversive pamphlets, anti-government sentiment, and conspiratorial plots. His sharp wit exposes both real concerns and exaggerated fears prevalent during this period. Courtesy of New College Oxford's collection, this engraving serves as an invaluable historical artifact offering insight into Georgian society's anxieties surrounding politics. It stands as a testament to Gillray's talent in using satire to provoke thought while entertaining viewers with its detailed imagery and clever symbolism.
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