A New Way to Pay the National-Debt

1786

James Gillray

Associated Names
James Gillray

Artist, British, 1757 - 1815

William Holland

Publisher, British, 1757 - 1815

This is a drawing depicting a scene involving money and finance. It shows elaborately dressed figures engaging in the exchange of large sacks. In the background, there is a stone archway labeled "TREASURY" and various notices or documents posted on the walls. One individual is kneeling or sitting on the ground, while others are in extravagant attire.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    etching and engraving on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund

  • Dimensions

    plate: 42.8 × 52.2 cm (16 7/8 × 20 9/16 in.)
    sheet: 46.6 × 55.5 cm (18 3/8 × 21 7/8 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2013.170.2

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Wright and Evans 1851: no. 18

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

(Andrew Edmunds, London); purchased 2013 by NGA.

Associated Names

Bibliography

1851

  • Wright, Thomas and Robert H. Evans. Historical and Descriptive Account of the Caricatures of James Gillray; Comprising a Political and Humorous History of the Latter Part of the Reign of George the Third. London, 1851. Reprint. NY: B. Blom, 1968: no. 18

Inscriptions

lower left in plate: Design'd by Helagabalis; lower center in plate: A New Way to Pay the NATIONAL-DEBT Dedicated to Mons. Necker; lower right in plate: Executed by Sejanus ./ Pubd April 21 1786. by Willm Holland, No 66 Drury Lane

Wikidata ID

Q77005331

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