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The French Porcupine, 1859
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The French Porcupine, 1859
The French Porcupine, 1859. He may be an Inoffensive Animal, but he Don t Look like it. Relations between France and England had begun to cool recently. Napoleon was suspected of harbouring designs on Austria. Mr Punchs explanation of this cartoon says, This extraordinary creature is an animal of what the zoologists call the Napoleonic species. The remarkable specimen of natural history afore you is covered with quills, which may appear inconsistent when you consider the singular animosity he is said to display against the liberty of the Press. The quills exhibit a striking similarity to swords and bayonets, together with artillery, rifles, carbines, and other firearms, by means of which, possessing the astonishing property of shooting missiles out of his self, the creature is enabled to annoy his hadversaries (sic) at a considerable distance. From Punch, or the London Charivari, February 19, 1859
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Media ID 14829243
© The Print Collector / Heritage-Images
Bayonet Bonaparte Charles Louis Napoléon Charles Louis Napoleon Bonaparte Danger Dangerous Emperor Napoleon Iii Heritage Image Partnership Louis Napoleon Napoleon Bonaparte Iii Napoleon Iii Porcupine Porcupine Quill
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print titled "The French Porcupine, 1859" provides a fascinating glimpse into the political tensions between France and England during the 19th century. The image features a caricature of Napoleon Bonaparte III, the Emperor of France at that time, depicted as a porcupine covered in quills resembling swords, bayonets, and other weapons. The caption accompanying this intriguing artwork explains that the porcupine symbolizes Napoleon's alleged hostility towards press freedom and his suspected ambitions to dominate Austria. The artist cleverly portrays Napoleon as an animal belonging to the "Napoleonic species" known for its ability to shoot missiles from its body using its quills. This representation highlights both the danger posed by Napoleon's actions and his militaristic approach to politics. The black-and-white engraving captures every detail of this satirical cartoon with precision, emphasizing not only Napoleon's distinctive facial features but also his iconic moustache. Through this artwork, we are transported back to a significant period in history when political rivalries were rife and warfare loomed on the horizon. As we observe this heritage image partnership between artistry and historical context, we gain insight into how public perceptions shaped by cartoons like these influenced popular opinion about powerful figures such as Emperor Napoleon III. It serves as a reminder of how visual representations can convey complex ideas while simultaneously entertaining their audience.
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