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Birds of a Feather, 1859
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Birds of a Feather, 1859
Birds of a Feather, 1859. In 1859, there was an ongoing struggle between France and Austria over Italian independence as the Italian states tried to rid themselves of despotic rulers. In April Austria crossed into the Italian region of Sardinia. France despatched is own troops to aid the Sardinians. Britain, preserving neutrality, offered to mediate between Austria and France, but the offer was refused. Instead, France and Russia entered into a treaty both to defend Italy and to take the offensive against Austria. Eagles in art are the symbol for power and victory and, in this cartoon, we see the two eagles in the foreground representing Russia (left) and France (right) reaching their agreement. In the background, the sacrificial lamb of Italy is being savaged by the two-headed Austrian eagle. The shadow of war is plainly depicted by the bare bones on the ground. This cooperation between France and Russia was viewed with considerable suspicion back in Britain, but Britain remained neutral. From Punch, or the London Charivari, May 7, 1859
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Media ID 14829271
© The Print Collector / Heritage-Images
Agreement Beak Bonaparte Bone Brother Charles Louis Napoléon Charles Louis Napoleon Bonaparte Devouring Eagle Emperor Napoleon Iii Handshake Heritage Image Partnership Imperial Independence Killing Lamb Louis Napoleon Napoleon Bonaparte Iii Napoleon Iii Nose Protect Protected Protection Shaking Hands Sheep Skeleton Savaging
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EDITORS COMMENTS
The print titled "Birds of a Feather, 1859" captures the political tensions and power dynamics during a significant period in European history. In the backdrop of the struggle for Italian independence, this artwork symbolizes the alliances and conflicts between nations. In 1859, as France and Austria vied for control over Italy, Britain attempted to mediate but was rebuffed. Instead, France joined forces with Russia to defend Italy against Austria's aggression. The two eagles depicted in the foreground represent these powerful nations - Russia on the left and France on the right - coming together to solidify their agreement. Meanwhile, in the background of this striking image, we witness a gruesome scene: an Austrian eagle with two heads savaging a sacrificial lamb representing Italy. This visual metaphor portrays how Italy suffered under despotic rulers while major powers maneuvered for dominance. The presence of bare bones scattered on the ground serves as a stark reminder of impending war and destruction. Although viewed with suspicion by Britain at that time, it chose to maintain neutrality amidst these international tensions. This print from Napoleon Bonaparte III's era provides us with an insightful glimpse into historical events that shaped Europe during this tumultuous period. It reminds us of both cooperation and conflict among nations striving for power and victory.
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