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The Right Honorable William Pitt
The Right Honorable William Pitt

The Right Honorable William Pitt

Primary (London, England, 1757–1815)
NationalityEnglish, Europe
Date1789
MediumEngraving
DimensionsSheet: 19 1/4 × 14 1/8 in. (48.9 × 35.9 cm)
Image: 16 7/8 × 13 7/16 in. (42.8 × 34.2 cm)
Credit LineBlanton Museum of Art, The University of Texas at Austin, Gift of Patricia Ross, by exchange, 2010.60
Keywords
Collection AreaPrints and Drawings
Object number2010.60
On View
Not on view
Label Text
Trained as an engraver at the Royal Academy, Gillray wanted to build a reputation outside of satire, considered a less serious art form. Throughout his career he was continuously criticized by patrons. William Pitt, Prime Minister (1783-1801 and 1804-1806), frequently appeared in Gillray’s caricatures; in this portrait, however, he attempted a formal depiction of the politician. The print was rejected because of its awkward and unflattering features. The artist retorted, “I…am convin[ced] that my likeness is a striking one therefore, I will not alter an iota for any mans opinion upon Earth.”