"The Friend of the People" & his Petty New Tax Gatherer, Paying John Bull a Visit 1806

"The Friend of the People" (1806) by James Gillray is a satirical political cartoon that depicts the burden of taxation on the common people. In this caricature, a tax collector, portrayed as a greedy figure, forces his way into a man's home with a book of taxes. This satirical print mocks the perceived excesses of the British government and its impact on ordinary citizens, highlighting the struggles of everyday life under oppressive taxation. This is a prime example of the social commentary present in Gillray's political cartoons, using humor and exaggeration to spark conversation about political issues. The artwork is considered a masterpiece of English caricature and can be found at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.