Begging no Robbery; i.e. Voluntary Contribution, or John Bull Escaping a Forced Loan by James Gillray

Begging no Robbery; i.e. Voluntary Contribution, or John Bull Escaping a Forced Loan c. 1796

drawing, print, etching, paper

drawing

aged paper

toned paper

print

etching

traditional media

paper

personal sketchbook

england

sketchbook drawing

watercolour illustration

storyboard and sketchbook work

cartoon carciture

sketchbook art

watercolor

James Gillray's 1796 satirical print, *Begging no Robbery; i.e. Voluntary Contribution*, depicts John Bull, a symbol of England, being forced to pay taxes by a menacing figure representing the British government. The print's title satirizes the idea of "voluntary contributions" as a means of funding the war against France. John Bull is shown reluctantly parting with his money, while the government figure holds a gun and a cannon that is used to collect the coins. The artwork is a sharp critique of the government's financial policies during a period of economic hardship.