The TIMES, Anno 1783.

DateApril 1, 1783

Attributed to James Gillray

Publisher William Humphrey

OriginEngland, London

MediumBlack and white etching

DimensionsOH: 9 7/8" x OW: 14"; Plate H: 9 1/4" x W: 13 1/2"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1960-110

DescriptionThe lower margin reads: "The TIMES, Anno 1783./ Pub.d Apr.l 14.th 1783 by W. Humphrey, N.o 227 Strand."

No lasting peace followed the Revolution in England or on the Continent, for one dispute succeeded another. This work comments on them. In the upper right, a demon powered by excreted gas saying, "Poor John Bull! Ha! Ha! Ha!" flies off toward America with a map of the new nation. Stout John Bull laments, " 'Tis Lost! Irrecoverably lost!", a reference to American independence. France consoles Bull with a pinch of snuff saying, "Ah. Ah. Me Lord Angla, volez vous pince de Snuff, for de Diable will not give back de Amerique". Attired as a Don, an incensed Spain comments, "See Gibraltar! See Don Langara! by St. Anthony you have made me the Laughing Stock of Europe". Holland, wearing a flowerpot hat, laments, "De Donder take you Monsieur, I think I have paid the Piper".

The strategically located fort of Gibraltar had been the object of much dispute during the Revolution, and Spain was induced to enter the war by French promises of aid in regaining it. When the preliminary peace agreement was formalized on February 6, 1783, however, the struggle ended with England firmly in control. The battle scene in the background suggests that the possession of Gibraltar would continue to be a controversial subject.
ProvenanceEx coll: H. Dunscombe Colt.