End of the Irish farce of Catholic emancipation

End of the Irish farce of Catholic emancipation

The inclusion of this print is to emphasize Gillray’s use of scales as a motif against the British government. Here the scales are located at the top of the print, in the center, emerging from the King’s arm. On one scale rests a book inscribed ‘Truth,’ outweighing a papal tiara with a rosary and shackles. The purpose of the scales is fairly obvious here, unlike other prints: Truth outweighs the behaviors and activities of the crown.

James Gillray

The British Museum

Hannah Humphrey

Published 17 May 1805 in London

The British Museum

© Trustees of the British Museum

Hand-colored etching

Image: 38 x 46 cm

Still Images