Flannel Armour; Female Patriotism Possibly 1793

"Flannel Armour; Female Patriotism," created by James Gillray in 1793, is a satirical print that mocks the British military's adoption of flannel uniforms. The image shows a scene of chaos, with men being fitted into the new uniform, with women helping to fasten their garments. Gillray's use of caricature and exaggerated detail underscores his ridicule of the new uniform and its perceived inadequacy. The print, a prime example of British political satire, highlights the societal anxieties surrounding the British military during the late 18th century. This satirical work, now housed in the Art Institute of Chicago, offers a unique perspective into British military history and the social commentary of the era.