The Nursery, with Britannia Reposing in Peace c. 1802

This hand-colored etching, "The Nursery, with Britannia Reposing in Peace," was made by James Gillray, a prominent British caricaturist, likely around the turn of the 19th century. As a print, this artwork is the product of skilled labor: the drawing, the careful engraving of the metal plate, and the printing itself. Then we have the hand-coloring, done by specialized artisans. The image would have been created in multiples, to be circulated and consumed. The relatively small scale of the etching, combined with its colorful details, would have appealed to a broad audience seeking accessible political commentary. Gillray’s expert use of line and color, combined with the social context of printmaking, provides a fascinating insight into the visual culture of the period, challenging our traditional notions of fine art and craft. The final print is a result of labor, politics, and consumption, highlighting the inherent value of materials, making, and context in understanding art.