Two-Penny Whist Possibly 1796

This print, "Two-Penny Whist", was made by James Gillray, and is a hand-colored etching. With etching, a metal plate is coated with wax, the design scratched into it, and then acid is applied, biting away the exposed lines. The plate is then inked and printed, making the lines appear crisp and slightly raised on the paper. Here, Gillray has added color by hand, likely using watercolor washes, a labor-intensive process that personalizes each print. The social significance of this print lies in its critical portrayal of leisure. Gillray satirizes the popular card game Whist, highlighting the social dynamics and potential for foolishness among the players. The title "Two-Penny Whist" suggests a low-stakes game, implying a certain level of frugality or perhaps even stinginess among the participants. The print also reflects the broader social context of 18th-century England, where leisure activities were increasingly accessible to a wider range of the population. Gillray's work prompts us to consider the intersection of leisure, class, and social commentary in the art of printmaking.