John Bull's First Visit to his Old Friend the New Secretary c. 1806

Charles Williams made this print, "John Bull's First Visit to his Old Friend the New Secretary," using etching and likely some hand-coloring. This was a common method for producing political cartoons and social satires in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The printmaking process, involving the biting of an image into a metal plate with acid, allowed for relatively quick reproduction and dissemination. Consider how this contrasts with the laborious work of governance, also alluded to in the image with the desk and papers to the right. The lines are etched with deliberation, a commercial artisan product with a satirical intent. The color, applied by hand, adds another layer of detail and emphasis. These details remind us that this image was intended for mass consumption, speaking to the concerns and anxieties of the time through a cheap media format and quick production. It reflects the social and political tensions of the era, commenting on labor, and the weight of governing an empire. The print is a testament to the power of accessible imagery in shaping public opinion.