The Gate of Calais, or The Roast Beef of Old England
1748
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
About the artist
1748
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
The Gate of Calais, or The Roast Beef of Old England is a 1748 ink by Charles Mosley, a Baroque work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This crowded scene shows a group of people gathered outside a stone archway. Some hold weapons like swords and guns, while others carry food or look on. A man in a long coat stands near the center, pointing at another who’s being dragged by the arm. In the background, more buildings and a few distant figures are visible through the arch. The title at the bottom hints this mocks a famous French tax on English beef. The chaotic mix of angry faces and old-fashioned clothes makes it feel like a protest. Next, check out etching to see how artists like Mosley carved these sharp lines.
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