Knave Wins All- MODERN HOSPITALITY 31 - 1792

"Knave Wins All-MODERN HOSPITALITY" is a satirical hand-colored etching by James Gillray from 1792 that depicts a group of people playing cards and losing their money to a knave. The artwork, currently on display at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, is a commentary on the corrupt and extravagant nature of high society in 18th-century England, often referred to as the Georgian Era. Gillray's use of caricature exaggerates the physical features of the characters, making them appear foolish and greedy, further emphasizing the artist's critical stance toward the wealthy elite. The title and caption of the print, "The Knave wins all... A Friendly Party in High Life," clearly indicate the artist's critique of upper-class social gatherings, suggesting that such gatherings were often motivated by self-interest and the pursuit of material wealth.