Cockney Sportsmen Recharging Possibly 1800

"Cockney Sportsmen Recharging" (c. 1800) is a satirical hand-colored etching by the English artist James Gillray. The print mocks two London "sportsmen" who are out hunting. One man is attempting to load his gun while the other eats a large pie. The scene is rendered in a humorous style, with exaggerated features and poses, and the caption suggests that these men are more interested in eating and drinking than in actually hunting. Gillray’s satirical prints were popular in his lifetime and continue to be enjoyed today for their wit and social commentary. The etching is in the collection of The Art Institute of Chicago.