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The Gout (1885) is in the collection of the Art Gallery of Ontario located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Description
The Gout is a hand coloured soft-ground etching by British caricaturist and printmaker James Gillray. This etching depicts an inflamed and swollen bare foot. The demon which rests on top of the foot is the representation of the gout, he is snorting fire and spreading himself over the infected areas, biting into the tender tissue of the human flesh with his barbed fangs and sharpened teeth. As he preys upon his victim, his sharp and serrated tail waves above him (585).

Historical information
James Gillray is esteemed as the leading British caricaturist and the forefather of editorial cartoonists. His caricatures are grounded upon the tradition of British satirical art they exposed the corruption of politicians, dignitaries, and royalty and reflected the public opinion of current events and scandals. Housed in the private collection of numerous royals and exhibited in the public spaces of shopping windows, Gillray's caricatures were incredibly popular and sought after. During the period of Britain's "golden age" British caricature from 1780-1820 was produced without strict censorship it remained unregulated and provided a freedom of speech and opinion.

Acquisition
British Gift of the Trier-Fodor Foundation 1991.