True Reform of Parliament Possibly 1809

This print, "True Reform of Parliament," was made by James Gillray, who was active in England around the turn of the 19th century. The printmaking process, which involves etching a design into a metal plate, inking it, and then pressing paper onto the plate, was well-suited to satire like this. It allowed for the wide distribution of political opinions. Here, we see that the artist has made a bonfire of paper documents. The weight and texture of these papers are significant. They represent laws, acts, and traditions that Gillray and his fellow reformers clearly felt were holding England back. In the background, you can see Westminster Abbey ablaze, suggesting a total upheaval of the established order. Gillray was deeply engaged with the political issues of his day. He used his skills as a printmaker to comment on the social and political landscape, giving a voice to popular discontent. This reminds us that art is not just about aesthetics. It is often a form of social commentary, deeply intertwined with the materials, processes, and context of its creation.