James Gillray 
Elements of Skating: A Fundamental Error in the Art of Skaiting"
8x14 Inches
Hand-coloured etching, published November 24th, 1805 by Hannah Humphrey
 
This particular caricature is from a series of four prints by Gillray titled 'Elements of Skateing'.
 
During the time of Gillray, ice-skating was still a relatively new activity, and was largely restricted to the aristocracy and the upper classes upon its emergence. Through the illustration of members of the upper classes partaking in idiotic actions whilst ice-skating, Gillray was able to offer a more general commentary on the higher ranked individuals of society.