The Pitt Fall 1789

Frederick George Byron created "The Pitt Fall," a hand-colored etching, around 1789. Etchings like this one were produced by drawing with a sharp needle on a wax-covered metal plate, which was then submerged in acid, biting the design into the metal. The plate was then inked and printed, creating multiple copies. The Pitt Fall shows us how printmaking allowed for wide dissemination of political satire during the late 18th century. This example depicts Prime Minister William Pitt the Younger falling into hell, pushed by his political rivals. The graphic style, combined with the vibrant hand-coloring, makes the scene all the more pointed. Every line and shade contributes to the overall message: Pitt's policies are leading him and the nation to ruin. This print is a great example of how seemingly simple materials and processes can carry complex social and political meanings, blurring the line between craft and fine art.