John Jehu, L'Inghilterra

This hand-colored etching from 1772, titled "John Jehu, L'Inghilterra," presents a satirical portrait of Great Britain personified. A stout, bewigged figure, labeled "Jehu" (a biblical name associated with furious driving), rides a galloping horse, clutching a whip and reins. His face is a caricature, with exaggerated features that were common in 18th-century political prints. The figure’s opulent, if slightly disheveled, attire and the powerful, if somewhat unruly, horse he rides suggest a nation perhaps both prosperous and prone to impetuous action. The artist, James Bretherton, captures the lively energy of the scene through dynamic lines and the careful application of color, which highlights the rider's rosy cheeks and the horse's flowing mane. This print would have resonated with contemporary audiences, offering a pointed, humorous commentary on the political climate of the era.