Gillray, James (1756 – 1815) – ‘The Valley of the Shadow of Death’.

'The Valley of the Shadow of Death'. Hand coloured etching and aquatint. 'Publish'd Septr 24th 1808 by H Humphrey 27 St James's Street London'. Made early in Peninsular War, Dorothy George describes this print as reflecting the '... exaggerated hopes of the immediate military and diplomatic consequences of the Spanish rising'. Napoleon is stopped in his tracks by the British Lion and is beset on all sides by the threat of danger... Rushing towards him are Death, wearing a Spanish hat and cloak, a Portuguese wolf and Sicilian Terrier. Behind him are the German Eagle nad Russian Bear, whose chain he has dropped. The American Rattle Snake, Rhenish Rats, Dutch Frogs and Prussian 'Scare-crow' appear from water at his feet. In the clouds are two French officers who say 'Remember Junot' and 'Remember Dupont', both who had been defeated. At the top of the composition are the Papal Tiara and the Spirit of Charles XII. Above all is the Turkish new moon 'Rising in Blood', the moon itself showing the waning 'French Influence' and waxing of 'British Influence'. 10.5x15.25 inches.