Morning Promenade Upon the Cliff, Brighton Possibly 1806

James Gillray's "Morning Promenade upon the Cliff, Brighton" is a satirical hand-colored etching that depicts the fashionable society of Brighton, England in the early 19th century. The print satirizes the social customs and manners of the time, especially the popular pastime of riding donkeys on the beach. Gillray's work is known for its sharp wit and biting social commentary. He uses caricature and exaggeration to create humorous, yet critical, observations on the British elite. The print, held by the Art Institute of Chicago, is a great example of Gillray's signature style and offers insight into the leisure activities and social norms of the Regency period.