RARE: Hand-Coloured Etching: Gillray's Supplementary-Militia (12734)

In 1793, when France declared war upon Britain and Holland, the British militia numbered approximately 45,000. But by 1796 when the war was still proceeding and the threat of a French invasion was growing stronger, Pitt introduced a Supplementary Militia Act to add 60,000 more troops to protect the homeland. Each parish provided a ballot to select those who would serve. The troops were given 20 days of training each year to help establish and maintain their fighting skills.

This 'Supplementary-militia, turning-out for twenty-days amusement' by James Gillray, published by Hannah Humphrey, is a hand-coloured etching, published 25 November 1796.

It shows a body of poorly clad artisans and tradesmen, marching in formation with fixed bayonets behind a butcher in over-sleeves, a feathered cocked hat above his butcher's cap, and a military sash over his apron. He carries a banner on which St. George is killing the dragon. His company wear military coats and crossed bandoliers with very unsoldierly foot-gear and the tools of their various trades.

We have studied this picture with magnification, and feel confident in saying it is a hand-coloured etching. You can see the colours have been added after the etching was produced.

This is a wonderful satirical piece of historical artwork. It is in a vintage frame with a glass front. In surprisingly good condition for its age!

Measures 425mm w x 15mm d x 325mm high. See: http://www.james-gillray.org/pop/militia.html