Bat-Catching
Artist
James Gillray
(British, 1757 - 1815)
Date1803
Mediumetching and aquatint
DimensionsSheet: 259 x 349 mm (25.9 x 34.9 cm)
Credit LineBequest of Robert Getscher from the Getscher-Wilkinson Collection
CultureBritish
Object numberPC2014.14.33
ClassificationsPrint Collection
DescriptionTwo figures in an open doorway labeled "Granary" with a bag at their feet (labeled "Sterling British Corn") overflowing with coins. The standing figure holds nets and the crouched figure holds a lantern and a cockade hat. The lantern illuminates three bats with human heads. The text below the image, after the title, reads: "Bat-catching, (says Buffon,) does not require much art, for, flying always in the Night, they are easily attracted by a Dark-Lanthorn & being always hungry, may be easily caught, by a few Cheese-Parings, or Candle Ends; - they are so rapacious, that if they once get into the Granary, they never cease devouring, while there is any thing left." - Vide. Buffon's Nat: His. Article Birds of Night.' This record has been reviewed by University Galleries staff but may be incomplete or contain errors. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. For any inquiries about the information listed, please email galleries@sandiego.edu.
1967
1968
2012
1916
1927; pub. 1929