The English Government Jacques-Louis David (1748-1825)

Here we observe a satirical depiction rendered in colored etching and aquatint. The central figure dominates the composition: a demonic entity with distinctly human features, crowned and winged, brandishing a trident. This creature appears to be actively propelling individuals forward with an intense blast of fire emanating from its mouth.
The scene unfolds against a backdrop of a fortified wall, suggesting confinement or restriction. Behind this barrier, a throng of figures – men, women, and children – struggle to advance, their expressions conveying distress and desperation. Their clothing is varied, hinting at different social strata within the group. The artist has carefully rendered their postures; some reach out with grasping hands, others shield themselves from the heat, while still others appear to be falling or stumbling under the force of the fiery expulsion.
The demonic figure’s posture and expression are particularly noteworthy. Its eyes convey a sense of malicious glee, and its stance suggests an active enjoyment of the chaos it is creating. The crown atop its head could symbolize authority, but in this context, it serves to satirize the concept of power and governance. The trident, traditionally associated with Neptune or Poseidon, here becomes a tool of oppression and forceful displacement.
Below the image, a text block provides an explanation, further clarifying the work’s intent as political commentary. The presence of numbers 1 and 2 alongside the title suggests that this is part of a series.
Subtly, the artist employs perspective to emphasize the scale difference between the demonic figure and the fleeing populace. This disparity reinforces the idea of an overwhelming power exerting control over vulnerable individuals. The overall effect is one of intense social critique, likely targeting perceived abuses of authority or policies that forcibly displace populations. The work’s visual language utilizes established iconography – the devil, the trident, the crown – to convey a pointed message about political oppression and its consequences.