John-Bull offering little Boney fair play

This sheet is one of many invasion prints. John Bull, on the right, is dressed as a sailor and is stripped to the waist. He wades into the English Channel and challenges Napoleon to join him in the water. Napoleon (r.), an emaciated figure, peeks out from behind a triple fortification protected by row upon row of cannons. At the base of Napoleon's fort small gunboats set out to sea. Like many caricatures published in 1803, when the threat of a French invasion loomed over Britain, this sheet by Gillray depicts John Bull openly daring Napoleon to make his move. This uncolored sheet has been mounted on another sheet of paper. In the upper left corner there is evidence that it has been repaired. This sheet is one of many invasion prints. John Bull, on the right, is dressed as a sailor and is stripped to the waist. He wades into the English Channel and challenges Napoleon to join him in the water. Napoleon (r.), an emaciated figure, peeks out from behind a triple fortification protected by row upon row of cannons. At the base of Napoleon's fort small gunboats set out to sea. Like many caricatures published in 1803, when the threat of a French invasion loomed over Britain, this sheet by Gillray depicts John Bull openly daring Napoleon to make his move. This uncolored sheet has been mounted on another sheet of paper. In the upper left corner there is evidence that it has been repaired. Published by Hannah Humphrey, 1803-08-02. British Museum, BM 10048. Caption: Pubd August 2d 1803 by H Humphrey St James s Street Dialogue: John Bull: "You're a' coming? You be d--n'd! If you mean to invade us, why make such a rout? I say, Little Boney--why don't you come out? Yes, d--n ye, why don't you come out?" Dialogue: Napoleon: "I'm a' com'ing!-- I'm a' com'ing!!!" Signature: [Gillray] Plate Mark: 7