The Spanish bull fight - or - the Corsican matador in danger

The Spanish bull fight - or - the Corsican matador in danger

Item Information

Title:
The Spanish bull fight - or - the Corsican matador in danger
Title (alt.):
The Spanish bull fight. Or, the Corsican matador in danger
Description:
The sovereigns of Europe, &c, watch from their seats in a bull-ring the Spanish bull tossing Napoleon above its head. The point of his sword projects from the ferocious animal's shoulder. He holds his broken sword, dripping blood, and has a badly gashed thigh. His cocked hat and a paper fall to the ground. A broken collar is round the bull's neck, a few links of a heavy chain still attached to it. The bull tramples on and befouls Joseph Bonaparte, who lies on his back, moribund or dead, in his royal robes, the crown falling from his head. Under his hand is a torn paper. Three bulls, previously disposed of by the Corsican Matador, and horribly gashed, lie on the ground (r.), bellowing. A butcher's ticket is affixed to each. The barrier, an arc of which frames the arena, is inscribed. Behind it, and along the upper margin of the design, sit the sovereigns. On the extreme left. is George III, in military uniform, holding a trident (emblem of sea-power), and peering down impassively through his glass. The back of his (coronation) chair is partly visible. Next him is (?) the Emperor of Austria, gripping the edge of the barrier with a gauntleted hand and with the hilt of his sword projecting from his right hand. Next John, the Regent of Portugal holds up his hat in exultation. He clutches a bottle. Next him, the Tsar bites the corner of a feathered tricorne in his agitation. The King of Prussia grasps a feathered cocked hat, and puts his hand to his mouth. The bellicose King of Sweden wears a fur-trimmed tunic and a fur cap, with a star [the Swedish order]. Two pistols are thrust through his belt. Next is the Pope, wearing his tiara, and holding up his cross. Before him is a paper. He is supported from behind by the Sultan wearing a jewelled turban. Behind the latter is the Dey of 'Algiers' [the word etched across his turban]. Above the design: The Spanish Bull is so remarkable for Spirit, that unless the Matador strikes him Dead at the First Blow the Bull is Sure to destroy him. - vide Barretti's Travels [A Journey from London to Genoa, through England, Portugal, Spain, and France, 1770] (BM).
Artist:
Gillray, James, 1756-1815
Name on Item:
J. Gillray dest.
Date:
July 1808
Format:
Prints
Genre:
Etchings
Caricatures
Satires (Visual works)
Location:
Boston Public Library
Arts Department
Collection (local):
James Gillray (1756-1815). Prints and Drawings
Subjects:
Rulers
Clergy
Bulls
Bullfighting
Napoleon I, Emperor of the French, 1769-1821
Francis I, Emperor of Austria, 1768-1835
Joseph Bonaparte, King of Spain, 1768-1844
Frederick William III, King of Prussia, 1770-1840
George III, King of Great Britain, 1738-1820
John VI, King of Portugal, 1767-1826
Alexander I, Emperor of Russia, 1777-1825
Pius VII, Pope, 1742-1823
Extent:
1 print : hand-colored etching ; sheet 23 x 32 cm
Permalink:
https://ark.digitalcommonwealth.org/ark:/50959/2z111m37s
Terms of Use:
No Copyright - United States
No known copyright restrictions.
No known restrictions on use.
Language:
English
Notes:
Title from item.
Alternative title from Wright/Evans.
BM Satires 10997; Wright/Evans 346
Additional information accompanying item: From the 1824 Gillray collection of copies, etched and published by John Miller and W. Blackwood.
Notes (acquisition):
Gift; Louis Black; December 1953
Notes (date):
Date from item.
Reproduction. Date indicated is Gillray's original publication date.
Notes (citation):
Stephens, Frederic George, George, Mary Dorothy. "Catalogue of Political and Personal Satires in the Department of Prints and Drawings in the British Museum." British Museum Press, 1870, London.
Wright, Thomas, R. H. Evans. "Historical and descriptive account of the caricatures of James Gillray." Benjamin Blom, 1968, New York.
Identifier:
18_17_000080
Barcode:
36666004443541