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The Sphinx is silent, 1876. Artist: Joseph Swain
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The Sphinx is silent, 1876. Artist: Joseph Swain
The Sphinx is silent, 1876. The Conservative Prime Minister, Benjamin Disraeli, is here depicted as a great Sphinx, whilst, below him, the British public (notably shown as an entirely male crowd) beg him to speak. Behind the Sphinx can be seen a reference to the Eastern Question. This may refer to the pamphlet which was shortly to be published by the former Liberal Leader, Gladstone, which was entitled The Bulgarian Horrors and the Question of the East. The whole cartoon relates to the recent conflicts involving Turkey that had culminated in a Bulgarian uprising. The British government was concerned that Russia would become involved to protect the Bulgarians. Both sides in the conflict were guilty of perpetrating atrocities. Press coverage in Britain was graphic, but Disraeli was resolute in keeping a distance, though, whilst the country, through the media, clamoured for him to speak. From Punch, or the London Charivari, July 15, 1876
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The Sphinx is Silent, 1876
EDITORS COMMENTS
is a powerful political cartoon that captures the tense atmosphere surrounding the Eastern Question and Benjamin Disraeli's role as the Conservative Prime Minister of Britain. In this monochrome print by Joseph Swain, Disraeli is depicted as a majestic Sphinx towering above an all-male crowd of British citizens who anxiously beg him to speak. The cartoon symbolizes the public's desperate plea for guidance during a time of conflict involving Turkey and Bulgaria. The Bulgarian uprising had sparked concerns about Russia's potential involvement to protect the Bulgarians, while both sides were guilty of committing atrocities. As press coverage in Britain vividly portrayed these horrors, Disraeli remained resolute in maintaining his distance from foreign affairs. Swain's artwork highlights the stark contrast between Disraeli's silence and the clamor for his voice. The image also references Gladstone's pamphlet titled "The Bulgarian Horrors and the Question of East" which further intensified public pressure on Disraeli to address these pressing issues. This satirical portrayal not only reflects upon Disraeli as a statesman but also serves as a commentary on political leadership during that era. It encapsulates themes such as power dynamics, foreign policy decisions, and public expectations from their leaders. "The Sphinx is Silent" remains an enduring representation of 19th-century politics and continues to be relevant today in its exploration of how politicians navigate complex international crises while balancing domestic pressures.
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