The Right Honorable William Pitt

Primary James Gillray (London, England, 1757–1815)

NationalityEnglish, Europe

Date1789

MediumEngraving

Catalogue raisonnéGodfrey 102

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

Rights Statement

NO COPYRIGHT - PUBLIC DOMAIN

Collection AreaPrints and Drawings

Object number2010.60

On View

Not on view

Label Text

Web Comments

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.”