Lab 5

The Plumb-pudding in danger is a painting by English artist James Gillray that was published by Hannah Humphrey in 1805. The shorter man on the right represents Napoleon Bonaparte, the very successful French military leader. On the left is William Pitt the Younger, the British Prime Minister. In this painting, the plumb-pudding is represented by the terrestrial globe. Between the years 1793 and 1815 Britain and France were constantly at war, so Gillray is attempting to mock the two leaders in his painting by insinuating the two could peacefully come to an agreement. William Pitt is shown carving out the oceans, symbolizing Britain's desire for naval supremacy. Napoleon Bonaparte is carving out Europe for himself. I interpret this as both are greedily taking such large portions of the world, without knowing the other's agenda, that a war is soon to arise. Shortly after, a war did break out between the two.

James Gillray | The Plumb-Pudding in Danger;–or–State Epicures Taking un Petit Souper | The Metropolitan Museum of Art (metmuseum.org)