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The Grand Old Janus, 1887. Artist: Joseph Swain
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The Grand Old Janus, 1887. Artist: Joseph Swain
The Grand Old Janus, 1887. Gladstone is the statue of Janus, the Roman god of doorways. Janus is usually depicted with two faces looking in different directions. Janus approves the scene to the left in which a British policeman hands out summary justice to a ruffian. He disapproves of the scene to the right in which an armed officer, dressed in the style of the French police, deals with a similar ruffian. Even as early as the late Victorian period, the debate was being opened on whether or not British policemen should be armed. The view that it would only lead to the criminals arming themselves also is evidenced by the ruffian on the right having armed himself with a club. From Punch, or the London Charivari, November 26, 1887
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Media ID 14832041
© The Print Collector / Heritage-Images
Aggression Approval Armed Criminal Disapproval Heritage Image Partnership Janus John Tenniel Joseph Swain Liberal Liberal Party Police Police Brutality Policeman Prime Minister Punishment Ruffian Sir John Tenniel Swain Tenniel Violence Violent
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The Grand Old Janus, 1887
EDITORS COMMENTS
is a captivating print that showcases the artistic brilliance of Joseph Swain. In this thought-provoking image, we see Gladstone as the statue of Janus, the Roman god of doorways, with two faces looking in different directions. The scene on the left depicts a British policeman administering summary justice to a ruffian, while on the right, an armed officer resembling French police deals with a similar criminal. This powerful artwork raises questions about whether British policemen should be armed during the late Victorian period. It highlights concerns that arming officers may lead to criminals equipping themselves with weapons too. Notably, the ruffian on the right has already armed himself with a club. Through satire and caricature, Swain's engraving captures both approval and disapproval from Janus towards these contrasting scenes. As violence and crime are portrayed alongside politics and religion in this piece, it serves as a commentary on societal issues prevalent during that time. The monochrome nature of this nineteenth-century print adds depth and intensity to its message. With its historical significance and political undertones, "The Grand Old Janus" remains an iconic representation of social unrest and debates surrounding law enforcement practices in Victorian England.
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