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Following a Bad Lead, 1870. Artist: Joseph Swain
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Following a Bad Lead, 1870. Artist: Joseph Swain
Following a Bad Lead, 1870. John Bull exclaims Hullo, Gentlemen! Two Revokes! You ll Lose the game by Tricks John Bull, the representative of the British people, is shown playing cards with Russia (right) and Luxembourg (left). Russia had recently issued its declaration to renege on the terms of the 1856 Paris Treaty which prohibited it claiming any sovereignty over the Black Sea. From Punch, or the London Charivari, December 24, 1870
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Media ID 14831492
© The Print Collector / Heritage-Images
Black Sea Card Game Cards Epaulette Epaulettes Game Heritage Image Partnership John Bull John Tenniel Joseph Swain Luxembourg Sir John Tenniel Swain Tenniel Treaty Treaty Of Paris Allegorical Figure Pastime
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EDITORS COMMENTS
In this satirical print titled "Following a Bad Lead, 1870" artist Joseph Swain captures the political tensions of the time. The image depicts John Bull, symbolizing the British people, engaged in a game of cards with Russia and Luxembourg. John Bull exclaims "Hullo, Gentlemen! Two Revokes! You'll Lose the game by Tricks!" as he realizes that his opponents are resorting to deceitful tactics. The context behind this artwork lies in Russia's recent declaration to disregard the terms of the 1856 Paris Treaty, which prohibited them from claiming sovereignty over the Black Sea. This act was seen as a betrayal by Britain and other nations involved in the treaty. Swain's illustration is rich in symbolism and allegory. John Bull represents Britain's national identity while Russia and Luxembourg personify their respective countries. The card game becomes a metaphor for diplomatic negotiations and power struggles between nations. The black-and-white engraving adds depth to this nineteenth-century satire, emphasizing its historical significance. Created during a time when political cartoons were influential tools for social commentary, Swain's work reflects public sentiment towards international relations at that period. This print serves as both an artistic expression and historical documentation of an important event in European history. It reminds us of how art can capture complex geopolitical dynamics while offering insights into past societies' perceptions and concerns about war, treaties, and national identity.
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