Le débarquement du chevalier John Bull et de sa famille a Boulogne sur Mer. The landing of Sir John Bull & his family, at Boulogne sur Mer

Size 69cm x 26cm

Originally published by Hannah Humphrey etched by James Gillray from 'The Genuine Works of James Gillray, engraved by himself. Thomas McLean edition on heavy rag-paper from the original copper plates printed 1830.

Three burly French fishwives carry on their backs through the water three English visitors from a boat on the extreme right. Two other fishwives stand in the water by the boat trying to persuade a stout and angry lady to entrust herself to them; a Frenchman in the boat also addresses her. On the shore (left) a group of French people waits their arrival: foremost is a postilion standing in the huge milk-churn boots (worn only on horseback) which so much surprised English visitors. He holds out a paper inscribed 'Poste Royale'. A hotel servant holds back the postilion and proffers a card inscribed 'Hotel d'Angleterre'; he wears a nightcap with a bag-wig and ruffles and stands 'chapeau-bras'. Beside him is a rival tout, a dwarfish man or boy dressed in a slovenly manner, his feet in sabots stuffed with straw; he holds out a card inscribed 'Hotel.... Behind them' (left) are a monk and a fishwife with a basket on her back, her bare feet in sabots shaped like mules but stuffed with straw. A dog, grotesquely shaved in the French manner, completes the group. Cliffs (left) form a background.
The foremost passenger is a typical John Bull wearing top-boots; he has an expression of fixed determination, his wig slips from his head and his hat is falling into the sea. Next is a lady wearing a riding-habit and a high-crowned hat. A younger man, fashionably dressed, with high hat, long breeches, and short boots, leers down at the woman who carries him. The fishwives are dressed alike with frilled muslin caps, loose jackets, and short petticoats; they wear ear-rings, and crosses hang from their necks. 31 May 1792